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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Orzata....Orgeat...Sweet Almond Syrup

I have rediscovered a favorite beverage from my youth it is called “Orzata”. Well actually the Orzata is almond syrup used as a flavoring for hot and cold beverages and many other recipes. My favorite way of drinking it is putting 1 ounce of Orzata in a tall glass with ice, then adding seltzer or club soda. I think one of the reasons that I love it so much is that it kind of tastes like an almond paste cookie without all the calories. The syrup has about 75 calories an ounce but it has such a strong flavor that an ounce would flavor about 16 ounces of seltzer without tasting diluted.
The rediscovery happened when I was out shopping with a friend a little before Christmas and we had gone into an Italian import store. While looking around I had spotted some bottles of the Orzata and got nostalgic and excited all at the same time. I explained to my friend what it was and how much I use to enjoy it and low and behold I received two bottles of it for Christmas.
I immediately stocked up on some plain seltzer and have been drinking heavily ever since.

Other Uses for Orzata:

Try Orzata in your coffee for something truly special….

Pour yourself a cup of good strong coffee
Add a 1/2 ounce of Orzata and just a splash of cream

Drizzle a little Orzata on pound cake, pancakes, French toast
A little splash in a fruit salad is wonderful.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I bet this would be yummy in a great many things.

Julie said...

It is, thank you for stopping by.

Alpa said...

Do you think this is similar to the Latin Horchata? I think horchata is made of ground rice, flavored with cinnamon & nutmeg & some other spices... seems similar. i luv how all cultures mesh together with food!

Julie said...

The idea is similar Alpa the flavoring is different.

Unknown said...

HI Julie, I am a native from Malta which is a small island very close to Italy. We have the same drink which we call Ruggata (the g sounds as j in jug). This is how u do it....
You need
500grams Barley powder
100mls Almond essence
250grams white sugar
2 litres water

Put barley powder in water and boil for 30 min. Let cool and drain well using only the water
Add the almond essence and sugar and add to water and boil again for 30 min.
Let cool and put mix in glass bottles and place in refrigirator.

Like u said you just use a small amount in a glass with iced water.

I hope you like it!!!
Lara

Julie said...

Lara, thank you so much for the recipe.

Dagreb said...

Orgeat is also on ingredient in a Mai Tai...
http://rumdood.com/2009/12/14/cocktail-recipe-mai-tai/

Gino Gatti said...

If you haven't tried this way of using orzata then you simply must. Squeeze the juice of one large lemon, pour into a large glass, add approx 2 table spoons of the syrup, add crushed ice then top the glass up with water, simply the best. Enjoy