Horchata

A delicious, sweet rice milk made with cinnamon stick (not ground cinnamon).

1/2 c. white long grain rice
8 c. water
1 cinnamon stick, broken into 2 or 3 pieces
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)
up to 1/2 c. sugar

In a large saucepan, combine rice, water, broken cinnamon stick. Cover and set aside to soak 2 and 1/2  to 3 hours. Then bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, simmer 30 minutes. Tip lid slightly allow to cool completely. Puree mixture in a blender until smooth. Strain through cheesecloth or a very fine sieve. Flavor with vanilla/sugar; stir well.  Chill.  Serve over ice.