Eggnog

                                            

Christmas spirit is quite incomplete without Eggnog, a festive drink at most households. Traditional Eggnog is made of milk, sugar, heavy cream, raw eggs, vanilla and spices. This kid friendly Eggnog is made by slowly cooking the eggs with milk and sugar to eliminate salmonella poisoning. This will be part of our holiday tradition now on.

Christmas holiday is the time when sugar and fat are consumed too much. I simply cut down both without compromising the taste even if the original recipe recommends two much fat and sugar. It was simply delicious!  This recipe makes 4 cups Eggnog. 


Ingredients~
*1  1/2 cups 2% milk (8oz cup)
*1  1/2 cups half n half
*1/2 cup sugar(you can add more if desired)
*3 large eggs 
*2 tsp vanilla
*1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
*1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
*Pinch of salt 
*Heavy whipping cream for topping(optional)

In a 2-3 quarts heavy saucepan, whisk eggs, sugar and salt until smooth and frothy. Pour half n half in the egg mixture and continue whisking until well incorporated. Place saucepan on the stove and cook on low-medium heat for 6-7 minutes until mixture thickens and coats the metal whisk, stirring constantly. It will be smooth and silky custard. Remove from heat. Now slowly add milk and keep stirring until custard and milk completely blended. Add vanilla,cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir well. Strain and pour Eggnog into a glass container and refrigerate for at least 5- 6 hours. Serve chilled Eggnog with a dollop of whipped cream or as is. Sprinkle with freshly ground nutmeg. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or candy canes.Feel free to add some booze such as brandy or rum for adults. 

 Wishing you all the happiness and joy of Christmas. Hope this holiday season brings joy and laughter. Indeed! it's the most wonderful time of the year!