Horchata
Horchata is toasted sesame seed milk that has been sweetened. It is served ice-cold as a natural refreshment.
Ingredients:
1 cup sesame seeds (with hulls)
4-5 cups water
4 Medjool Dates (or 8 if using smaller dates), optional
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1. Toast the sesame seeds in a large pot or pan, stirring the seeds constantly with a wooden spoon until they begin to brown (be careful not to toast them too dark because it will give the milk a bitter taste).
2. Put the seeds into a blender with the water, dates, and cinnamon, and blend them until the liquid appears tan in color. The milk can be strained using a cheesecloth or nut milk bag, but it is not necessary. Place the milk in a container in the refrigerator. Lasts three to five days.