Eggnog love

Once a favored drink of the English aristocracy, eggnog has become the drink of choice for holiday partiers from all walks of life. Some say no holiday is complete without a delectable concoction of beaten eggs, cream, sugar—and sometimes alcohol. This recipe can be made with or without intoxicants and that’s sure to bring a smile to guests’ faces.

Ingredients

4 cups milk

5 whole cloves

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

12 egg yolks

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 1/2 cups light rum (optional)

4 cups light cream

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions

Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.

In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour.

Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

(Recipe courtesy allrecipes.com)