Almond Drink

This can be served in a tall glass or cup as a hot or cold drink, and eaten with a sweet pastry. Or it can be chilled, in a bowl, for dessert. This can also be made with walnuts.

21⁄2 cups almonds, preferably

freshly shelled, skins removed

6 cups milk

6 TBS sugar, or to taste

Rind of 1 lemon, optional (only the yellow part)

1 cinnamon stick

• In a blender or food processor, grind almonds with 2 cups milk until very fine.
• Gradually blend in sugar and the remaining milk.
• In a saucepan, simmer almond mixture with rind (if using) and cinnamon for 1 hour over lowest heat possible.
• Turn off heat; discard cinnamon and rind. Taste and add more sugar, if desired.
• Serve hot, or refrigerate for at least 1 hour, covered.