Instructions: 1. Wash raw rice. Soak overnight in water to cover. Then drain well.

2. Blanch almonds. Grind almonds and rice to a fine powder, either by hand

(with a mortar and pestle), or in a food mill.

3. Place mixture in a bowl. Add the second quantity of water and let stand 1 hour; then stir thoroughly.

4. Strain mixture through a double thickness of cheesecloth into the top of a double boiler. Gather together corners of the cheesecloth, and squeeze the remaining liquid into the pan.

5. Boil remaining water in the lower half of the double boiler; then reduce heat to medium. Cook almond-rice mixture over it, stirring until it thickens. (During this period, "milk" the cheesecloth into the pan several times.)

6. Next stir in sugar, salt and vanilla extract to dissolve; then turn up heat to bring mixture quickly to a boil. Serve hot, in small bowls.

NOTE: This tea, which has the consistency of custard, is a wonderful snack on cold days. VARIATIONS:
1. Omit the rice, salt and vanilla extract. In the top of the double boiler, blend to a smooth, thick paste the ground almonds, 4 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup cold water. Then stir in 1 large can of evaporated milk and 6 more cups water. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.

2. Omit step

3. Combine ground almonds and rice in a saucepan with the sugar and 4 Cups water. Bring to a boil; then simmer, covered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pick up step 6, adding the salt and vanilla extract.

3. In step 5 add to the almond-rice mixture, 12 Chinese red dates which have been cooked in 1 to 2 cups boiling water until soft (about 20 minutes), then pureed through a fine sieve or ricer to remove the skins and pits.

SOAK OVERNIGHT

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