Creamy Nutmeg Dream

$To create a delightful Eggnog Brandy Alexander, you need the following ingredients: - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish) - 4 large eggs - 1/4 cup almond extract - Ice cubes (for serving) These ingredients come together to form a rich and creamy drink. Whole milk and heavy cream provide a smooth texture. The powdered sugar adds sweetness, while vanilla extract gives a warm flavor. Ground nutmeg adds a hint of spice and a festive touch. The eggs create a thick and velvety base. Almond extract adds a unique nutty twist. Don't forget the ice cubes, as they help chill your drink for that perfect sip. With these ingredients ready, you are set to create a cozy holiday treat that warms your heart. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by getting your ingredients ready. Grab a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat them over medium heat. Keep an eye on it. You want it warm but not boiling. This step makes your eggnog creamy and rich. Next, take a bowl and crack 4 large eggs into it. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use a whisk to mix them well. You should see bubbles forming. This makes the eggs light and fluffy. Now, it's time to temper the eggs. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the warm milk mixture to your egg mix. Keep whisking constantly. This step prevents the eggs from cooking too fast and turning into scrambled eggs. After tempering, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Stir it into the warm milk and cream. Cook on low heat, stirring all the time. You want the mix to thicken slightly. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure it doesn't boil. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of almond extract. Mix well to combine the flavors. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then, put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. When you're ready to serve, fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled eggnog over the ice. Finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Enjoy your creamy delight! To make the best eggnog, start with fresh ingredients. Use whole milk and heavy cream for richness. Whisk eggs and powdered sugar until smooth and frothy. Slowly add warm milk to the egg mix. This step helps avoid scrambled eggs. Stir until the mix thickens slightly. Chill it well to let flavors blend. A good chill makes it creamy and smooth. If you want to swap ingredients, you have options. For milk, almond milk works well too. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. If you lack powdered sugar, granulated sugar is fine. You can even try different extracts. Use rum or bourbon instead of almond extract for a twist. Just remember to balance the flavors. Garnishes make your eggnog pretty and tasty. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth. You can also use cinnamon for a spicy kick. Try whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. A few chocolate shavings can add a sweet touch. Get creative! Use what you love to make the drink yours. Pro Tips Tempering Eggs: Gradually add warm milk to the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs. This process, known as tempering, helps create a smooth and creamy texture. Chill Properly: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps it set properly and enhances the flavors as they meld together. Garnish Wisely: Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor. Pre-ground nutmeg can lose its aroma, so grating it fresh will elevate the dish. Serving Suggestions: Serve over ice for a refreshing twist. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult version of this creamy treat. {{image_2}} You can enjoy eggnog both ways! For a classic drink, add brandy. This gives it a warm, rich taste. Use about 1 to 1.5 ounces per serving. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, just skip the brandy. The creamy mix of milk, cream, and spices is still amazing on its own. You can enhance the flavor of your eggnog with simple tweaks. Try adding a splash of coffee or espresso for a mocha twist. Chocolate syrup can also make it sweeter and richer. For a fruity touch, consider mixing in some orange zest or a few drops of almond extract. These flavors blend well with the nutmeg and vanilla, making your drink special. Spices add warmth to your eggnog. Besides nutmeg, you can use cinnamon for a cozy feel. Cloves and allspice also work well, giving a festive taste. Just a pinch can transform your drink into a holiday favorite. Experiment with spices to find your perfect mix! Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container. Glass jars work well for this. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Use it within a week for the best flavor. Homemade eggnog lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, it may not taste good. If you see any changes in color or smell, throw it away. Safety is key! You can freeze eggnog if you want to save some for later. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Shake or stir well before serving to mix it up. Enjoy that creamy delight! Eggnog is a creamy drink made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. It has a rich, sweet flavor. A Brandy Alexander adds brandy and chocolate to this base. This gives it a smooth and warm taste. So, while eggnog stands alone, a Brandy Alexander elevates it into a festive cocktail. Yes, you can make Eggnog Brandy Alexander ahead of time. Prepare the eggnog mix and chill it in the fridge. It will taste better after a few hours. Just remember to add ice when serving. This keeps it cold and refreshing. Using raw eggs in eggnog can be risky. They might carry salmonella. To reduce this risk, use pasteurized eggs. They are safe and give you the same creamy texture. Always ensure you handle eggs carefully and keep them cold. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use half-and-half or whipped coconut cream. Both give a nice texture. You can also blend milk with butter for a creamier base. This keeps your Eggnog Brandy Alexander rich and smooth without heavy cream. In this post, we explored how to make delicious eggnog, from ingredients to tips for the best taste. You learned each step, from preparing the milk and cream to chilling your drink. We also shared variations and storage information to help you enjoy your eggnog longer. Remember to have fun with flavors and garnishes. Whether you choose an alcoholic or non-alcoholic version, eggnog can bring joy. Get creative, and enjoy sharing this holiday treat with friends and family!$

A rich and creamy eggnog-inspired drink flavored with nutmeg and almond.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 2 15

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 large eggs
0.25 cup almond extract
to taste ice cubes

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until warm, but do not bring it to a boil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and powdered sugar until well combined and frothy.
Gradually add a few tablespoons of the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
Slowly add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream. Stir continuously over low heat until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and almond extract. Mix well.
Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until well chilled.
When ready to serve, fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour the chilled eggnog mixture over the ice.
Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg on top before serving.

Notes

Serve chilled over ice for a refreshing treat.

Keyword creamy, eggnog, holiday drink