Make Your Own Eggnog

Making homemade eggnog is quite easy and definitely healthier and more economical than buying it in the store.  There are plenty of recipes out there, but the eggnog recipe I used appeared to be one of the easiest.  Even though, I left out the alcohol and didn't beat the egg whites separately, the eggnog turned out great.

Quick Eggnog: (based on recipe link above)

Pumpkin Spice Eggnog

4 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1/5 quart whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp nutmeg
*1/2 tsp vanilla or pumpkin pie flavor extract (optional)

Separate Eggs. Beat Egg yolks until the color changes. Gradually mix in the sugar. Mix in milk, heavy cream and nutmeg. Add egg whites and beat on medium for 1-2 minutes. If you are making vanilla or pumpkin pie eggnog, beat or stir in flavor extract. Drink immediately or refrigerate to chill.

Raw Egg Concerns
If you are concerned about the possible dangers of consuming raw eggs, the best thing to do is to use the freshest eggs you can find. Sometimes the free range and organic eggs will not be the best choice since these eggs tend to sit on the shelf longer.  Also, if you prefer pasteurized eggnog, there are instructions for making cooked eggnog in this recipe.

Eggnog Recipes
Aside from sprinkling in some nutmeg and drinking it plain, here are some ideas for what to make with eggnog.

1. Eggnog latte or cappuccino: Turn your espresso drinks into a holiday treat by steaming eggnog in the place of milk and adding a sprinkle of nutmeg.
2. Eggnog ice cream: Try using Eggnog in the place of milk and heavy cream, or better yet, google "eggnog ice cream recipe."
3. Vanilla Eggnog: When making your homemade eggnog, mix in a tsp of vanilla. The same can be done with other popular eggnog flavors.
4. Eggnog as an alcoholic drink: Stir in bourbon, brandy or Irish whiskey.

Taking Advantage of Low Milk Prices