Four Spirits Eggnog Food

EGGNOG

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.
• Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
• Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.
• Cook's Note: For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.
• In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture.

NONALCOHOLIC EGGNOG

Steps:

• Whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl.
• Heat the milk and 3/4 cup of the cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the liquid starts to steam; remove from the heat.
• Whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, then pour the milk-egg mixture back into the saucepan. Return the saucepan to medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and a thermometer reads 165 degrees F, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl, and let it cool at room temperature until it is no longer hot, about 1 hour. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours up to 3 days.
• When ready to serve, whip the remaining 3/4 cup cream with an electric mixer in a large bowl to medium peaks. Then, while whisking, slowly pour in the cold milk-egg mixture. The eggnog should be creamy and thicker than heavy cream. Serve with a light sprinkle of nutmeg and lemon zest if using.

EGGNOG

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of the sugar until fluffy.
• Stir in the milk, heavy cream and your spirit of choice.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar until soft peaks form.
• Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
• Divide between four rocks glasses or punch or tea cups.
• Garnish each with freshly grated nutmeg.

FOUR SPIRITS EGGNOG

Steps:

• Beat the egg yolks until they are thick and pale. Add Cognac, dark rum, peach brandy, and applejack. Stir in confectioners' sugar and blend well. Add milk and heavy cream and refrigerate the eggnog for at least 5 hours. Before serving, fold in egg whites.