Eggnog

After the hustle and bustle of the last few days, Boxing Day has become a day for relaxing in our house. Usually, after lunch, we put on a Christmas movie, open a tin of chocolates and sip some eggnog. To help out this year Miss C thought she would buy some commercial Eggnog. Its not bad, though not as nice as home made, but then not many things are. But, what has surprised me, is the list of ingredients. So many, and some quite questionable

'Milk, cream, sugar, modified milk ingredients, glucose, powdered egg yolk, spices, locust bean gum, carrageenan, tragacanth gum, salt, natural and artificial flavours, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, colour (contains tartrazine)'

Yet it is so easy to make your own Eggnog. Hot or cold, with or without alcohol. Here is my recipe, which has no alcohol so children will enjoy it as much as adults. I hope it will inspire you to whip up your own

Phoebe's Eggnog

12 large egg yolks

4 cups milk

1 1/3 cups sugar

1 cup chilled whipped cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Grated nutmeg, (optional)

• In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks.

• In medium saucepan, whisk milk and sugar over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until sugar is dissolved, 

• Whisking constantly, pour hot mixture into yolks in a slow and steady stream.

• Return mixture to pan

• Cook over medium-low heat, for about 20 -25 minutes, stirring often, until thick enough to coat back of spoon; do not let simmer. 

• Quickly strain into a bowl. 

• Stir in cream and vanilla

• Cool completely; cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled. 

• Garnish with nutmeg, if desired.

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x