The Christmas Eggnog

The Christmas Eggnog. For this eggnog, the egg yolks and sugar are blended and cooked in milk to form an “egg-safe” custard base.

A splash of Cognac and sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg make this a festive holiday drink.

SERVINGS: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 cups whole or lowfat milk
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 8 large egg yolks
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons Cognac (optional)
• 2/3 cup chilled whipping cream
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste (or ground nutmeg)

METHOD:

1. Place milk in heavy large saucepan.
2. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean.
3. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat.
4. Cover; steep 15 minutes. Discard vanilla bean.
5. Whisk yolks and sugar in large bowl to blend.
6. Gradually whisk in hot milk mixture. Return mixture to saucepan.
7. Using rubber spatula, stir mixture over low heat until bubbles subside and mixture thickens slightly (do not boil), about 12 minutes. Cool.
8. Cover and refrigerate until cold. (At this point, eggnog can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
9. Mix Cognac (if using) into eggnog mixture. Using electric mixer, beat whipping cream in large bowl until firm peaks form.
10. Fold whipped cream into eggnog mixture just until blended. (At this point, eggnog can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
11. Ladle eggnog into glasses.
12. Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg) and serve.
13. Enjoy your Christmas Eggnog.

Source and picture: DianaDesserts