Holiday Nog Mold Food

HOLIDAY EGGNOG

Steps:

• For the mulled cider: Combine the peppercorns, star anise, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom in a large stockpot over medium heat. Toast the spices until aromatic, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in the cider, carrot juice, ginger juice, sugar, orange zest, nutmeg and kosher salt. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture sit uncovered until the cider is aromatic and the spices are well infused, 1 to 2 hours. Strain the cider through a fine sieve or cheesecloth; discard the solids. (The cider can be made in advance and reheated prior to serving.)
• For the eggnog batter: Separate the whites and yolks of the eggs into 2 medium size mixing bowls. Whip the yolks with the nutmeg, cinnamon, rum and salt. Gradually add 1/4 cup of the sugar. Mix until the texture is silky and the sugar is fully incorporated. Set aside.
• Whip the egg whites on medium-high speed, gradually incorporating the remaining 1/8 cup of sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the egg white mixture into the yolk mixture. This batter has a lifespan of about one evening. Be sure to use fresh eggs as these will be served in a raw state.
• To assemble the holiday eggnog: For each drink, mix together 4 ounces of the hot mulled cider, 2 ounces of the eggnog batter, 1 ounce of the rum and 1/2 ounce of the brandy in a heat-treated glass or mug. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

HOLIDAY NOG MOLD

Steps:

• Stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Cool 30 min. at room temperature.
• Pour milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 30 sec. Add to gelatin; stir until well blended. Stir in rum extract and nutmeg. Refrigerate 15 min. or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites). Gently stir in whipped topping until well blended. Pour into 6-cup mold sprayed with cooking spray.
• Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Unmold. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

HOLIDAY FRUIT AND NUT MOLD

Steps:

• Stir boiling water into dry gelatin in large bowl at least 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold ginger ale and spices. Refrigerate about 1-1/2 hours or until thickened (spoon drawn through leaves a definite impression).
• Stir in fruits and pecans. Spoon into 5-cup mold sprayed with cooking spray.
• Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Unmold onto serving plate. Garnish as desired. Store leftover gelatin in refrigerator.