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My Favorite Holiday Eggnog Recipe

Homemade eggnog using eggs fresh from the coop far exceeds the flavor of store bought eggnog. Adding a few little extras will elevate your recipe to even greater heights.

A couple of years ago, I shared an eggnog recipe on my blog. I love making homemade eggnog using eggs from our coop around the holidays. 

In the following years, I have tweaked and simplified and I think perfected my recipe (as well as my photography skills!).

So, in the name of the holiday spirit, I wanted to share a new eggnog recipe with you that's become a favorite at our house - when our chickens are laying, that is! 

Instead of the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg, being Scandinavian, I prefer to use cardamom as the spice in this recipe. 

If you're unfamiliar with cardamom, you're in for a treat when you try it in this recipe. 

And don't worry about buying a whole jar, because it's also the spice I use in my half pound cake recipe which, incidentally, goes wonderfully with a glass of eggnog! 

I also add cardamom to my zucchini bread and mixed berry skillet crisp, so it won't go to waste!

Enjoy!

My Favorite Holiday Eggnog Recipe

What you Need

4 cups whole milk
2 vanilla beans, scraped
2 teaspoons ground cardamom, plus more for garnish
One dozen egg yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cups heavy whipping cream
1-2 cups brandy
Cinnamon sticks for garnish

What you Do

In a heavy saucepan over low heat, bring milk, vanilla and cardamom to a simmer, stirring occasionally. 

Meanwhile whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until frothy and a pale yellow color.  Slowly add the hot milk, one ladle full at a time, into the eggs, whisking to combine. 

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool on the counter. 

When cooled, stir in the cream and brandy (to taste).  Chill for several hours or overnight, then garnish with an additional sprinkle of cardamom and a cinnamon stick to serve.

(Scroll down for the printable recipe card)

This recipe makes at least six generous servings. 

The eggnog will keep in the refrigerator for several days, improving in taste as it ages. 

Since the eggs won't be completely cooked, so I recommend only using fresh eggs from your own chickens to reduce your risk of salmonella, and to avoid serving any to those with health issues or weakened immune systems. 

Of course, since it contains alcohol, this eggnog shouldn't be offered to children! 

If you choose to omit the brandy, the recipe becomes kid-friendly, but remember that the alcohol helps the eggnog keep longer, some claim for weeks, even! But non-alcoholic versions should be consumed within a day.

This cocktail recipe is intended for adults of the legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive.


Favorite Holiday Egg Nog


Yield: 6 servings
Author:
prep time: cook time: total time:
Homemade eggnog using eggs fresh from the coop far exceeds the flavor of store bought eggnog. Adding a few little extras will elevate your recipe to even greater heights.

ingredients:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 vanilla beans, scraped
  • 2 teaspoons ground cardamom, plus more for garnish
  • One dozen egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1-2 cups brandy
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish

instructions:

How to cook Favorite Holiday Egg Nog

  1. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, bring milk, vanilla and cardamom to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  2. Meanwhile whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until frothy and a pale yellow color. 
  3. Slowly add the hot milk, one ladle full at a time, into the eggs, whisking to combine.
  4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool on the counter. When cooled, stir in the cream and brandy (to taste).
  6. Chill for several hours or overnight, then garnish with an additional sprinkle of cardamom and a cinnamon stick to serve.

NOTES:

If you choose to omit the brandy, the recipe becomes kid-friendly, but remember that the alcohol helps the eggnog keep longer, so non-alcoholic versions should be consumed within a day.

With the alcohol included, the egg nog will keep in the refrigerator for several days, improving in taste as it ages.
Created using The Recipes Generator


Fresh Tip: If you don't have the time or inclination to make your own eggnog, try adding a splash of brandy and a dash of ground cardamom to the store bought version!  I think you'll love the flavor combination.

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