Classic Eggnog Food

CLASSIC EGGNOG

Steps:

• Separate the egg yolks from the whites. In a stand mixer, beat the whites on high speed until transformed into a meringue-like consistency with soft peaks.
• In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the milk, cream, sugar, bourbon, rum and Cognac or brandy until a smooth texture is achieved. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites until combined.
• Transfer eggnog into a large serving bowl. Chill overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• To serve, ladle a few ounces into a mug or glass and grate fresh nutmeg over the surface. For ideal flavor, mix will keep in the refrigerator up to two weeks, but can last longer.

MARTHA'S CLASSIC EGGNOG

Steps:

• Beat yolks in a very large bowl until thick and pale. Slowly beat in sugar. Whisk in milk and 2 cups cream. Mix in bourbon, rum, and Cognac. Cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• Just before serving, beat whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whites into eggnog. Whisk remaining 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form, and fold into eggnog. (Alternatively, you can fold half the whipped cream into eggnog, and top with remaining half.) Sprinkle with nutmeg.

TRADITIONAL EGGNOG

Steps:

• Beat eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until very frothy, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir in cream, milk, brandy, and rum. Chill before serving. Sprinkle individual servings with remaining nutmeg.

CHEF JOHN'S HOMEMADE EGGNOG

Steps:

• Place egg yolks in a saucepan. Whisk in sugar until well blended and creamy. Add milk and cream; whisk until blended. Place pan over medium heat; whisk frequently until mixture reaches a temperature of between 170 to 180 degrees F (75 to 80 degrees C) using an instant-read thermometer. Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg and whiskey.
• Chill pan in cold water until cool. Transfer mixture to a container (a large pitcher is ideal). Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, 2 to 3 hours.
• Place egg whites in a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue whisking until egg whites hold a firmer peak. Whisk egg whites into custard base until thoroughly blended. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
• Whisk eggnog again just before serving and between each pour to ensure even distribution of the egg whites which tend to float to the top. Serve with a dusting of nutmeg.

CLASSIC COOKED EGGNOG

Steps:

• In large saucepan, beat together eggs, sugar and salt, if desired.
• Stir in 2 cups of the milk.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat a metal spoon with a thin film and reaches at least 160°F.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in remaining 2 cups milk and vanilla.
• Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, several hours or overnight.
• Just before serving, pour into bowl or pitcher.
• Garnish or add stir-ins, if desired.
• Serve immediately.
• *Forfaster preparation heat milk until very warm before stirring milk into eggs and sugar.
• MICROWAVE: In 2-quart liquid measure or bowl, beat together eggs, sugar and salt, if desired, until thoroughly blended.
• Set aside.
• In l-quart liquid measure or bowl, cook 2 cups of the milk on full power until bubbles form at edges, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Stir into egg mixture.
• Cook on 50% power until mixture is thick enough to coat a metal spoon with a thin film and reaches at least 160°F, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in remaining 2 cups milk and vanilla.
• Continue as above.

CLASSIC EGGNOG

Steps:

• Heat milk, sugar, and vanilla bean and seeds in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking until sugar has dissolved. Whisk yolks in a large bowl. Pour hot milk mixture into yolks in a slow, steady stream, whisking.
• Return milk-yolk mixture to pan, and cook over medium-low heat, whisking often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 20 minutes (do not let simmer). Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard bean. Whisk in cream, bourbon, and rum. Let cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour (up to 1 day). Serve sprinkled with nutmeg.

CLASSIC EGGNOG

Steps:

• Put the vanilla seeds in a large bowl. Add the egg yolks and sugar syrup, and beat with an electric whisk until pale, about 2-3 mins. Add the cream, milk and brandy, and beat again until just combined. Strain into a punch bowl.
• Clean the beaters, then beat the egg whites in a clean bowl to soft peaks. Fold a third of the whipped egg whites into the milk and cream mixture in the punch bowl, then add the remaining whipped egg whites. Gently fold these in until the eggnog is fluffy and smooth. Chill until ready to serve. Will keep, covered in the fridge, for up to a day. Just before serving, add plenty of ice, then stir gently and ladle into tumblers.