American Eggnog Recipes

AMERICAN EGGNOG

Steps:

• Whisk the egg yolks and caster sugar for a few minutes with an electric whisk until pale, light and fluffy. Gradually whisk in the rum or bourbon a little at a time, then whisk in the milk. The mixture will separate over time, so it may need to be whisked again
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Fold the boozy egg mixture into the whites very gradually. Finally, whip the cream until it just holds its shape and fold that into the mixture as well.
• Sweeten to taste with extra sugar if you wish. Ladle into punch glasses and serve with a dusting of nutmeg.

ROMPOPE (MEXICAN EGGNOG)

Steps:

• Combine milk, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Continue to boil mixture, stirring constantly, until milk has reduced by a little more than 1/3, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Beat egg yolks with an electric mixer until thick and pale. Mix in a little of the warm milk. Pour egg yolk mixture into the saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Stir constantly and scrape bottom and sides of saucepan until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, fish out cinnamon sticks, and cool to lukewarm. Stir in rum and cool completely, about 2 hours.

HOMEMADE EGGNOG

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar and salt. Gradually add 4 cups milk; cook and stir over low heat until a thermometer reads 160°-170°, 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a large bowl., Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. (If mixture separates, process in a blender until smooth.) Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours. , To serve, beat cream until soft peaks form. Whisk gently into cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.

EGGNOG

Steps:

• Put 2 cups of the milk, both citrus zests, and the vanilla bean and tar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and the 1/2 cup sugar in a medium bowl until lightened in color.
• Gradually pour the hot milk into the eggs while whisking constantly. Return the egg mixture to the pan and set over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon in a figure 8 motion until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the remaining cup milk to stop the cooking. Transfer custard to a large bowl; cool to room temperature. (To speed this up, set bowl in another bowl of ice.)
• Put about 1 inch of water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Put the egg whites and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a heatproof bowl large enough to rest in the saucepan without touching the water. Set the bowl over the simmering water and beat until the sugar dissolves and the egg whites feel warm to the touch, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and beat the whites with an electric mixer until they hold a soft peak, about 3 minutes. Fold the egg whites into custard mixture. Add the rum and bourbon, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Transfer eggnog to a punch bowl or pitcher. Pour into small cups and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and citrus zest. Drink.

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.