Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Egg Nog Time

Over the weekend, we created the concoction passed down from generations. As far as I can tell, it goes back to my great-grandfather. Our fridge is stocked with about 8 bottles to enjoy but mainly to share with friends before we scoot out of town for the holidays.

My dad learned to make it as a boy with his father and for a long time used the same red bowl. But along came the Kitchen Aid invention which Mom gladly shared with him for his annual brew making fest.

Dad has a story written down somewhere about the tradition that he used to pass out with bottles to friends. He even ordered his own bourbon (cheap stuff I'm sure) that had his last name printed on the labels..."Brightman's Bourbon." Good for sipping throughout the year, using a bottle or two in the nog recipe itself and then makes a nice container to share with loved ones.

As a kid or young adult, I never really liked milk products so it really wasn't until I was in my 30s that I realized how good this stuff is. I started making it every year about 8 or 10 years ago.

Since Dad included the recipe with his printed story, I figure that it's not a family secret and am happy to share via the ethers:

Ingredients
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3 1/2 pints whipping cream (24 oz.)
5 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp. salt
13 oz. rum
13 oz. bourbon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. Grand Marnier
Nutmeg
Powdered sugar

Using Kitchen Aid Mixer (perfect bowl size):
1) Separate yolks of eggs from whites. Save egg whites in separate bowl.
2) Mix sugar and bourbon to thoroughly dissolve sugar.
3) Add egg yolks and continue to mix thoroughly.
4) Blend in whipping cream.
5) Add rum and mix thoroughly.
6) Add salt and mix.
7) Add vanilla and mix.
8) Add Grand Marnier and mix.
9) Add milk and mix at least 5 minutes.


  • Makes 3 liters. Chill and serve cold. Sprinkle nutmeg according to taste.

  • Egg whites: Mix in bowl with powdered sugar until mixture becomes fluffy.

  • Spoon on top of serving bowl and lightly sprinkle with nutmeg.

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