Mote con Huesillos (Gluten-Free Adaptation)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried Peaches (Huesillos)
• 6 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Rice (short grain)
• 0.75 cup Sugar
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 1 strip Orange Peel

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup of Dried Peaches (Huesillos) with 4 cups of Water. Allow the peaches to soak for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until they are plump and rehydrated.
2. 2In a medium saucepan, combine the 0.5 cup of Rice (short grain) with 1.25 cups of Water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat (approximately 212°F / 100°C), then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cooked rice cool completely to room temperature, which will take about 30 minutes.
3. 3In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (at least 2-quart size), combine the 0.75 cup of Sugar with 0.25 cup of Water. Place the saucepan over medium heat (approximately 300-325°F / 150-163°C for caramelization). Cook without stirring, gently swirling the pan occasionally, for 8 to 12 minutes, until the sugar melts completely and transforms into a light amber color, resembling honey. Do not let it get too dark, as it will become bitter.
4. 4Carefully and slowly pour the remaining 0.5 cup of Water into the hot caramel (it will bubble up and splatter, so stand back). Immediately add the 1 Cinnamon Stick and the 1 strip of Orange Peel. Stir gently until the caramel dissolves into the water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat (approximately 185-205°F / 85-96°C) and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. 5Carefully remove and discard the 1 Cinnamon Stick and the 1 strip of Orange Peel from the syrup. Let the syrup cool slightly.
6. 6Divide the cooled 0.5 cup of cooked Rice and the rehydrated 1 cup of Dried Peaches (Huesillos), along with about 1/4 cup of their soaking liquid per serving, among 4 serving glasses. The peaches should be plump and soft.
7. 7Pour the cooled caramel syrup evenly over the rice and peaches in each of the 4 serving glasses. Place the glasses in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the drink to become refreshing.

Substitutions

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