Eggnog Ice Cream

Christmas has a special place in my heart. Christmas music is being played all day long Our home feels so festive with Christmas decor. Christmas time cooking-baking makes everything so much brighter in our home and I try to make our favorite Christmas dishes as much as possible. Who doesn't love these distinctive festive smell of Christmas? 

Eggnog is one of our holiday favorites, followed by Eggnog Cheesecake and Eggnog Cake. This year I am sharing Eggnog Ice Cream, a rich and creamy frozen concoction with festive flavors of ground nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla to brighten up the holiday spirit. Whether you love Eggnog or not, give it a try and you won't be disappointed. This Eggnog ice cream is super easy to make without churning, yet turns out smooth, velvety and absolutely delicious. This kid friendly Eggnog is made by slowly cooking the eggs for safety. For adults add rum or brandy if desired. It's well worth to make it. 

Ingredients~

2 large eggs

1 egg yolk

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup + 2 tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 

1/8 tsp ground cinnamon 

1 tbsp vanilla extract 

1/8 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

4 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 coarsely chopped toasted pecan(optional)

Method~

Place whisk attachment or beater and the bowl in the fridge until ready to make ice cream. In a heavy medium saucepan, whisk eggs,yolk and sugar until smooth and 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 and stir in nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Strain the custard and chill for at least 2-3 hours.

Beat heavy cream in the chilled bowl till stiff peak. Add in custard mixture, maple syrup and whip for a minute, then gently fold with toasted pecans until everything well incorporated. Transfer to a freezer safe container. Place a plastic wrap on top of the ice cream to avoid ice crystal and put a lid on it. Freeze for at least 8-10 hours. Scoop and serve. Enjoy one of the season's best Christmas desserts. Happy Holidays!

Happy Cooking!