Happy cooking!
A staple beverage for the holiday season is an icy glass of velvety Eggnog. And in the month of December, you can find it in any grocery store you typically go to. But have you ever considered making your own? Perhaps in today’s economy, this luxury item being made at home makes a lot of sense. Grocery store prices are certainly up this year vs. past. Making your own can also be fun and enlightening, something you can do with others in the family and feel some satisfaction in a job well done when you see your friends and family enjoying what you made. Frankly, this is a very simple task that will make you wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. And I bet you have all the ingredients lying around the kitchen right now!
What is Eggnog?
At it’s basic level, eggnog is simply a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, sugar and spices. All commonly consumed items that, when combined through a method of cooking, taste great together. Historically, eggnog is a drink brought to North America by English settlers and was also known more as a punch, or a froth, warmed and consumed in a certain type of cup known as a “Nog” – which are similar to coffee or tea cups. More often then not, it was spiked with rum or whiskey which helped to keep warm on a cold winter’s eve.
Homemade Eggnog
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 cups 1x
Description
Eggnog is a holiday favorite beverage that can be made right at home. The ingredients are few and the process is easy with the most complex part being separating the egg yolks. Enjoy the end product by adding whip cream, candy canes or a tasty spiced rum.
Ingredients
- 2 c. milk
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, hold extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1 c. optional preferred spirit – eg. bourbon or rum
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Cherry or candy cane for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla and slowly bring mixture to a low boil.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until yolks are pale in color. Slowly add hot milk mixture to egg yolks in batches to temper the eggs and whisk until combined.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until slightly thick (test for coating on the back of a spoon) DO NOT LET THE MIXTURE BOIL. If using a thermometer, mixture should reach 160º.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and optional preferred spirit. Chill in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream, cherry and cinnamon. Add optional preferred spirit. Serve over ice if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to not let the mixture boil as the eggs can become like scrambled eggs in formation.
- Alcohol is not required and can be added when serving.
- Instead of whip cream for the top, try frothed milk.
- Add a chocolate sauce when serving for the kids!
- Enjoy with the Fruit Cake you just made.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Eggnog can be made dairy-free as well, simply experiment with your favorite non-dairy beverage of choice until you get the right consistency and flavor.
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