Eggnog

Eggnog is an absolute favorite of mine. Now that I can make it any day of the year, I will have to show some restraint. It goes great with rum!

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl until light and creamy.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cream, milk, nutmeg and salt. Stir often until mixture reaches 200 degrees F.
3. Add a big spoonful of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking vigorously. Repeat, adding a big spoonful at a time, to temper the eggs.
4. Once most of the hot milk has been added to the eggs, pour the mixture back into the saucepan on the stove.
5. Whisk constantly for a minute or so, until the mixture is just slightly thickened (or until it reaches about 160 degrees F on a thermometer). It will thicken more as it cools.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, and alcohol*, if using.
7. Pour the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or other container and cover with plastic wrap.
8. Refrigerate until chilled. It will thicken as it cools. If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth.
9. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired.
10. Store homemade eggnog in the fridge for up to one week.