Whether you spike or not, it's known as ait de poule from the French, which means hen milk or egg flip by the British. With low-taxed rum readily available from the Caribbean, it allowed the British to extend their dairy inexpensively. Here in North America, it's eggnog. The popular yuletide beverage received popularity with the colonies in the 18th century due to the large amount of dairy available in the New World. As corn and rye became staples in the colonies, whiskey and bourbon became the standard dairy stretcher to the traditional British egg flip. So you could say Americans gave rum the flip, to speak, as whiskey and bourbon found their way into glasses in North America.
There is a good reason why rich and delicious eggnog is limited to being served up only during the holiday season. Is it possible the caloric intake, or is it just a reason to reserve it to be one of those nostalgic beverages you look forward to toasting every year? Maybe a bit of both.
Cheers!
Chef George’s Traditional Eggnog
Makes 4 Servings
chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle
6 egg yolks, save the whites *see below
2 cups of milk
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup bourbon or rum
1/4 brandy
1/2 cup pure cane sugar or Turbinado
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon fresh-grated orange rind
Using a mixer with a whip attachment on medium speed, whip the egg yolks until light in color, about 4-5 minutes. Add sugar and mix until completely dissolved. Set aside.
In a double boiler, combine the milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange rind and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and combine while tempering the hot milk-cream mixture into the egg-sugar mixture.
Return all ingredients to a double boiler and heat constantly, stirring with a spatula until the mixture reaches 160 degrees (well below a simmer), and eggnog begins to resemble custard.
Remove from the heat, and stir in the bourbon and brandy. Pour into a bowl, cool, and refrigerate for at least two to four hours. It is best if refrigerated overnight.
Serve in cups with shaved chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder dusted on top.
Optional Toppings: a dollop of *meringue (made from all the leftover egg whites), ice cream, or whipped cream.
To Make Meringue, six egg whites, 1 Tablespoon pure can sugar, or Turbinado.
Beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running, gradually add one tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.
LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.
From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.
Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.
George Starts your year off right!
George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run
Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.