For most, including me, one wouldn’t know that there is an actual National Eggnog Day. Well, believe it or not, there is and the timing couldn’t be better – it’s celebrated every year on Christmas Eve!
The founder of national Eggnog Day remains a mystery. It is a day that celebrates a special, traditional holiday drink. It can be prepared with or without alcohol and rum is generally the liquor of choice. By the New Year, it is no longer available in stores, so you will have to make it yourself. There are plenty of recipes available online. I’ve provided one simple recipe below (non-alcoholic recipes are also available).
Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
- 1 pint whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces bourbon
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 4 egg whites*
Directions:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.
Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.
For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture.
Let’s toast to the holiday season! Here’s wishing you a
warm and peaceful holiday season
and a Happy, Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Heather
Sources:
www.holidayinsights.com
www.foodnetwork.com
