QUICK AND EASY EGGNOG RECIPE

Although not a South African tradition, for the past 3 years I've made it my own tradition and made eggnog. Eggnog is a dairy, alcoholic beverage (Or non-alcoholic) mainly enjoyed during the festive season (November-December).

Eggnog originated in the United Kingdom and was passed onto American colonies in the 18th century. It was typically a drink enjoyed by the aristocracies as its main ingredients, milk, eggs and sherry, were foods of the wealthy. In the 21st century it became more popular with North Americans and Canadians. Home made eggnog is typically preferred over store bought eggnog.

As far as I know, you can't buy eggnog in any of our South African supermarkets so why not just make our own! This is a quick and easy eggnog recipe that I make. I prefer to make non-alcoholic eggnog because I don't like the mix of dairy and alcohol but you can easily make it an alcoholic drink if that's what you prefer.

My Quick and Easy Eggnog Recipe for South Africans

2 cups milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
3 cloves
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups light cream
OPTIONAL: Rum/Sherry

STEP ONE

Stir the MILK, CINNAMON, 1/2 teaspoon VANILLA ESSENCE and CLOVES in a saucepan for 5 minutes or until it begins boiling. Stir slowly and continuously.

STEP TWO

MEANWHILE, in a large bowl mix the EGG YOLKS and SUGAR until light and creamy.

STEP THREE

Pour the contents of saucepan into EGG YOLK mixture. Stir them together. Then toss the mixture back into saucepan and cook on low heat for 3 minutes, stiring continuously. Do not allow to boil.

STEP FOUR

Remove from heat and let it cool for an hour. Pour in LIGHT CREAM and 1 teaspoon VANILLA ESSENCE. (OPTIONAL: For an alcoholic version add in RUM/SHERRY)  Refrigerate overnight or for 6 hours at least. Serve as a drink and enjoy!