Creamy Homemade Eggnog
Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy homemade eggnog perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with egg yolks, whole milk, dates, and festive spices, this cozy drink can easily be customized with dairy-free alternatives. It is simple to prepare on the stovetop by tempering the egg yolks for a smooth, velvety texture.
Ingredients
- 6 medjool dates pitted, soaked in boiling hot water for 10 minutes to soften
- 1.5 cups whole milk or plant-based milk
- 1.5 cups heavy cream or non-dairy half and half
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 egg yolks
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Add the milk and pitted, soaked dates to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the date-milk mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan, then add the heavy cream, ground nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon stick.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat until hot, but do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar together until combined.
- Temper the eggs by adding 1 spoonful of the hot milk mixture at a time into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Repeat 8 to 10 times.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Whisk and heat over medium heat for a few minutes without letting it boil.
- Pour the eggnog into a glass container to cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or nutmeg. For extra warmth, stir in a dash of rum extract or spiced syrup.
Notes
- Make sure not to let the mixture boil after adding the egg yolks to prevent them from curdling.
- The eggnog will continue to thicken as it chills in the refrigerator.
- Save the leftover egg whites to make meringues, breakfast omelets, or holiday baked goods.