This fragrant drink was a favorite in my home. Commercial varieties of a concentrated version (a syrup) have an unpleasant synthetic taste.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 8
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Grind the almonds as finely as possible in the food processor (do not buy them already ground). Add about 3 cups of the water and blend very thoroughly for several minutes. Pour into a saucepan, add the sugar, and bring to the boil. Simmer for a minute or two, then add the almond extract. Pour the rest of the water in, and leave to macerate overnight. Strain into a jug through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Add rose or orange-blossom water and chill, covered, in the refrigerator.
Variations
Step 2
In Morocco, they stir in 1/4 teaspoon pulverized mastic after boiling.
Step 3
In Iraq, they flavor with 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom.
