Birthday cake
- Difficult
- 3 h 50 min
Eggnog is one of those classic drinks that just feels right around Christmas time in the UK and the United States. Honestly, it's a staple. With its rich and creamy texture, this eggnog recipe brings people together and sets the mood for cozy winter gatherings. Really good stuff. Folks usually whip up a batch using milk, cream, eggs, and a dash of nutmeg. You know, all the good things. Every sip is super velvety and a little fragrant from those warming spices. There's something about the way the tender custardy base blends with that hit of spice—especially when served warm or just slightly lukewarm—that makes it feel like a real treat during cold weather. Seriously good.
For anyone who loves a good celebration, it’s hard to beat the atmosphere that homemade eggnog adds to the holiday table. And look, some people like to add a splash of rum or brandy for an extra kick. Which is great. But non-alcoholic eggnog is just as popular, so everyone can join in on the fun. This traditional eggnog is really tied to Christmas festivities in Anglo-Saxon countries. You don’t usually see drinks this thick and enveloping elsewhere, pretty much.
With just a few eggnog ingredients, you end up with a bowl of something that’s both sweet and a bit luxurious, kind of like a dessert in a cup. And here's the thing, the best part is how easy it is to make; even folks who aren’t big on fancy recipes can pull off an easy eggnog recipe and impress everyone at a holiday party. For real. Whether you’re gathered around the fireplace or just taking a break from the cold, this festive beverage has a way of bringing a little extra cheer to the room.
Its rich history and comforting flavors make it a staple that many look forward to each year. No wonder people keep coming back to this Christmas eggnog—it just feels special, year after year, and has become a beloved tradition in so many homes.
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To prepare the eggnog, pour the milk into a pot, then flavor with vanilla 1, ginger 2, and cloves 3.
Add the ground cinnamon 4 and grated nutmeg 5. Heat over low heat 6; it should not boil, but just warm up without reaching a simmer.
Mix sugar and egg yolks with a whisk 7 until they are light and frothy (you can also use an electric mixer for convenience). When the milk is warm, gradually pour it into the yolk mixture, straining it to remove the cloves 8. This should be done slowly, mixing well each time you add the milk 9, so the eggs don't cook.
Once all the milk is incorporated, return the liquid to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, alternating between a whisk 10 and a spatula. Be careful not to let the mixture curdle or form lumps. You can stop cooking when the mixture is thickened, smooth, and when you dip a spoon in it, it comes out coated and veiled 11. Now fill a pot with cold water and ice and place an empty bowl inside, preferably cold. Pour the mixture into the bowl 12 and stir to cool it down.
Then add the brandy 13 and stir again 14. Finally, add the cream 15.
Gently stir again with the whisk 16 without incorporating too much air 17. Eggnog can be served cold, warm, or tepid; you can add a sprinkle of nutmeg on each glass before serving 18.