Eggnog Recipe
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We grew up with eggnog, the kind you buy in a carton, and every Christmas holiday we kids drank up as much of it as we could. I didn't even know that eggnog was a "spiked" drink until well into my adult years. So this recipe is only lightly spiked; feel free to increase the rum and bourbon to your heart's delight, or omit altogether if it's for the kids. Is eggnog part of your family holiday tradition? If so, how do you like it - spiked or virgin? with whipped egg whites or without?
Eggnog Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 whole cloves
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp each of rum and bourbon or brandy, or to taste (can omit for kid-friendly eggnog)
- * (optional) 4 egg whites
Method
1 In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they lighten in color (can use a mixer for this or use a whisk to do by hand). Slowly beat in the sugar, whisking until fluffy.
2 Combine milk, cloves, cinnamon in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Heat on medium heat, slowly heating mixture until it is steaming hot, but not yet boiling.
3 Temper the eggs by slowly whisking the hot milk mixture into the eggs. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
4 Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 160°F, and it begins to thicken slightly (helps to have a candy thermometer, but not necessary). Do not allow the mixture to boil, or it will curdle (if this happens you might be able to save it by running it through a blender). Remove from heat and stir in the cream. Strain to remove the cloves. Let cool for one hour.
5 Mix in vanilla extract, nutmeg, and bourbon and brandy (can omit for kid-friendly eggnog). Chill.
Optional: Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Add a teaspoon of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks. Fold into eggnog.
Makes 1 quart. Serves 4-6.
Links:
Seattle's best eggnog
Eggnog cupcakes from Nic at Baking Bites
Eggnog pancakes from Amy of Cooking with Amy
Michael Ruhlman's eggnog
Eggnog: a Potent Family Tradition - essay and recipe from Kevin Weeks
Eggnog Tiramisu from Deb of In My Kitchen
Eggnog Pound Cake
* Note, because of the salmonella risk from raw eggs, it is recommended that children, elderly, and people with compromised immune systems refrain from eating raw eggs such as the optional whipped egg whites in this recipe, unless you use pasteurized eggs.
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Posted by Elise on Dec 31, 2007 and indexed Christmas, Drink, Eggnog, Eggs, Holiday
Mmm...I do love eggnog...the kid-friendly version:) I could definitely drink my weight's worth!