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This drink is a tasty snack popularly served in Central America. It is a thick and sweet drink, with a consistency similar to a smoothie or eggnog. It can be served hot or cold.  

  • 6 cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup uncooked rice
  • 2 ½ tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2-inch cinnamon stick
  • Cinnamon powder to taste 
  • 5 cloves (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)

  1. Place ½ cup of rice in water (enough to more than cover than rice) for 1 hour. Once the rice is thoroughly wet, drain out the water.
  2. Mix the sugar with the cornstarch.
  3. Finely grind the wet rice (using either a mortar and pestle or a blender) and then strain it, along with the milk, through a sieve.
  4. Dissolve the sugar and cornstarch mixture in the strained milk. Add the cinnamon stick (plus the cloves or raisins if desired).
  5. Over medium heat, heat the mixture for about 30 minutes, stirring continuously, until it boils and thickens slightly.
  6. Pour it into a serving container, and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Serve hot or cold, as a drink or soup.

Serves 8

  

Cooking Tips for Parents:
 
Kids can get involved with many steps of this recipe. First, put them in charge of measuring and soaking the rice, and then draining it. They can also mix the sugar and cornstarch.

While an adult should grind the rice, kids can strain the rice and milk through the sieve (this may be more appropriate for older kids). Kids of all ages, however, can dissolve the sugar and cornstarch, and add the cinnamon stick.

Kids should stand at a distance while an adult heats the mixture. Once it’s done, kids can sprinkle cinnamon on top and help serve.

 
jalapenos

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