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Celebrate the holidays with this non-alcoholic eggnog
December 8th, 2010
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
Christmas time is soon to be here, and there are lots of holiday food and drinks to enjoy with families and friends. However - there are growing concerns about having a safe and sane Christmas season. To this end, we've uncovered this delicious recipe for non-alcoholic eggnog. Everyone in the family will be able to enjoy this hearty drink.
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - first off, there is no need to fear the raw eggs in eggnog, as the eggs are gently cooked to kill any potential bacteria in this non-alcoholic beverage. Preparation will take five minutes, cooking time will be about an hour - but the wait will be so worth it!
You will need:
- 6 large eggs, plus 2 yolks
- 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- Additional grated nutmeg for garnish
Combine the eggs, egg yolks, sugar and salt in a heavy 3 or 4 quart pan, whisking until well-combined. Continue whisking while pouring milk in a slow, steady manner until completely incorporated. Turn on burner to the lowest possible heat setting. Place the pan on the burner and stir mixture continuously until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160 degrees F. and the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient as this should take about 45 to 60 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any accidental small cooked bits of egg. Add vanilla extract and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Pour into a glass pitcher, decanter or container and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate this egg custard mixture to chill at least 4 hours or up to 3 days before finishing.
When ready to serve, pour heavy cream into a bowl and whip until it forms soft peaks. Fold whipped cream into cold custard mixture until combined.
Serve the eggnog in chilled cups or glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg - and Merry Christmas!