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Cozy Homemade Eggnog – Best Cooked Custard Recipe

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This cozy homemade eggnog features a cooked custard base for a rich, velvety texture without raw eggs. It’s a simple, foolproof holiday drink that’s perfect for gatherings, quiet nights, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/2 to 1 cup (120-240 ml) bourbon, rum, or brandy

Instructions

  1. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Place the yolks in a medium mixing bowl and save the whites for another use. Measure out the milk, cream, sugar, and spices.
  2. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm over medium heat until steaming but not boiling (about 150°F/65°C), stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. While the milk heats, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until pale yellow and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
  5. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  6. Remove from heat and pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl or pitcher to remove any cooked egg bits.
  7. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  8. Let the eggnog cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. It will thicken further as it chills.
  9. If making a boozy version, stir in the bourbon, rum, or brandy after the eggnog has cooled. Start with 1/2 cup and add more to taste.
  10. Pour the chilled eggnog into mugs, garnish with fresh nutmeg or a cinnamon stick, and serve.

Notes

For best results, use fresh eggs and dairy. Keep heat low to avoid curdling. Straining ensures a smooth texture. Chill overnight for best flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog, homemade eggnog, cooked eggnog, custard eggnog, holiday drink, Christmas drink, eggnog recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-homemade-eggnog-best-cooked-custard-recipe/