For Grown Ups

The Holiday season is gearing up and we are pulling out all of our favorite treats. With my husband's recent accident, we are putting a bit more focus on the simple things. The other day I whipped up some homemade egg nog using eggs from our backyard chickens and snuggled up to enjoy a movie date night at home. This homemade egg nog is thick and flavorful. You can keep it as is or add your favorite alcohol to take it up a notch for holiday parties throughout the season. What is egg nog Eggnog is a rich and creamy beverage traditionally associated with the holiday season, especially in North America. It's made with a combination of milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and often flavored with spices like nutmeg. Some recipes may also include bourbon, rum, or brandy, adding a festive kick. What To add to egg nog for flavor? Spices: Nutmeg: Grate fresh nutmeg on top of your eggnog for a classic and aromatic touch. Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick for a warm, spicy flavor. Extracts: Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract can add a sweet and aromatic dimension to your eggnog. Almond or Rum Extract: A small amount of almond or rum extract can complement the traditional flavors. Sweeteners: Maple Syrup or Caramel: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup or caramel sauce for added sweetness and richness. Honey: A touch of honey can contribute a natural sweetness. Toppings: Top your eggnog with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luxurious texture. For a decadent treat, add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to your eggnog. Twists Grate a bit of orange zest into your eggnog for a citrusy and refreshing note. Steep a chai tea bag in your eggnog for a spiced and aromatic infusion. Combine eggnog with a shot of espresso or strong coffee for an eggnog latte. Add a hint of ground ginger or a splash of ginger liqueur for a zesty kick. Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ingredients to tailor your eggnog to your personal taste preferences. Whether you prefer it classic or with a modern twist, experimenting with flavors can make your eggnog even more delightful. What alcohols go well in egg nog Bourbon: A classic choice, adding bourbon can give your eggnog a warm, mellow undertone. Brandy: Brandy adds a rich and fruity flavor to the mix. Dark Rum: For a Caribbean twist, dark rum can provide depth and complexity. What you need to make egg nog 6 large eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Optional: 1/2 cup to 1 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy (adjust to taste) How to make egg nog Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Place the yolks in a large mixing bowl and set aside the whites for later use. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture is creamy and the color has lightened. In a saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it's just about to simmer. Do not boil. Slowly pour about a cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This helps temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, continuing to whisk. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches a temperature of about 160°F (71°C). This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and optional ground cinnamon. If you're adding alcohol, stir it in at this point. Allow the eggnog to cool for a bit before placing it in the refrigerator to chill. It's best when served cold. If desired, you can beat the reserved egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the chilled eggnog to add a light, frothy texture. Pour the eggnog into glasses and sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top for garnish. Enjoy your classic creamy eggnog! Feel free to adjust the sugar, spices, or alcohol content to suit your taste preferences. Cheers! How to safely store egg nog Store homemade eggnog in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. The cooler temperature helps slow down the growth of bacteria. Be sure to seal your egg nog in an air tight container to prevent cross contaimanton and the exposure to bacteria.