Rice Power to Start Day

Breakfast drinks often get their substance from a hefty scoop of protein powder. But there are alternatives. Whole-grain brown rice, higher in fiber than milled white rice, makes a substantial drink when blended with milk, brown rice syrup for sweetness and hints of vanilla extract and almond extract for flavor.

Gluten-free organic brown rice syrup, available in health food stores, is similar to honey in consistency but doesn’t have the overpowering flavor and isn’t as sweet.

Just before serving, blend in a few ice cubes to chill the drink. A few toasted almonds sprinkled over the top add a nice crunch. The servings are large, about 2 cups each.

ALMOND BROWN RICE BREAKFAST DRINK (It’s a Snap)

2 cups nonfat milk

1 cup cooked basmati brown rice

1/4 cup brown rice syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

3 to 4 ice cubes

2 teaspoons chopped toasted sliced almonds

Blend 1/2 cup milk and warm rice in blender on high until smooth. Blend in rice syrup, vanilla and almond extracts until smooth. Blend in ice cubes until frothy. Pour into serving glasses and sprinkle toasted almonds over top of each glass.

2 servings. Each serving:

302 calories; 147 mg sodium; 5 mg cholesterol; 2 grams fat; 57 grams carbohydrates; 12 grams protein; 0.21 gram fiber.