Away from the Holiday Eggnog

Introduction

History

Eggnog traditionally is a rich, creamy beverage made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and spirits such as brandy, rum, or bourbon. Its origins are debated, but it's believed to have evolved from early medieval Britain's "posset," a hot, milky, ale-like drink. By the 18th century, it had become tied to the holiday season in America, where eggs and dairy were more accessible. The "Away from the Holiday Eggnog" recipe is a modern adaptation, born from the need for inclusive holiday beverages that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the smoothest texture, ensure the silken tofu is well-blended before adding the other ingredients. Chilling the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more tofu. For those who like their eggnog with a bit more spice, feel free to adjust the nutmeg or add cinnamon to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this eggnog chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for an extra festive touch. It can also be served over ice or blended with ice for a frothy, cooling drink. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the brandy.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is blending. Using a high-powered blender ensures that the tofu is completely smooth and integrates well with the other ingredients, creating a creamy, homogeneous mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If silken tofu is not available, soft tofu can be used, though it may result in a slightly less creamy texture. Maple syrup can be substituted with agave nectar or honey (if not vegan). For a non-alcoholic version, omit the brandy or use a non-alcoholic spirit as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This eggnog can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to develop more fully. Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in traditional eggnog cups or small punch glasses. Garnish with a light dusting of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for a festive look. For an elegant touch, rim the glasses with sugar or gold edible glitter.

Pairing Recommendations

This eggnog pairs beautifully with holiday cookies, such as gingerbread or shortbread. It also complements savory holiday dishes, providing a sweet and creamy counterpoint to rich, hearty flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is not recommended to freeze this eggnog, as the texture may be adversely affected. Gently stir or shake before serving, as separation is natural.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of this eggnog contains approximately 150 calories, making it a lighter option compared to traditional eggnog. The majority of these calories come from the carbohydrates and the alcohol from the brandy.

Carbohydrates

A serving of this eggnog contains approximately 18 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources are the sugar and maple syrup, which provide the sweetness characteristic of traditional eggnog. The carbohydrates also include a small amount of dietary fiber from the silken tofu and soy milk.

Fats

This vegan eggnog is relatively low in fats, with about 5 grams per serving. The fats present are primarily unsaturated fats from the soy milk and silken tofu, which are considered heart-healthy fats. There is a negligible amount of saturated fat in this recipe, making it a healthier alternative to traditional eggnog.

Proteins

Each serving of Away from the Holiday Eggnog provides approximately 6 grams of protein, mainly from the silken tofu and soy milk. These plant-based proteins make the eggnog a good option for vegans and vegetarians looking to add a festive, protein-rich drink to their holiday menu.

Vitamins and minerals

This eggnog is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, calcium, and iron, thanks to the fortified soy milk. The turmeric adds a small amount of curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, while the nutmeg provides trace amounts of magnesium and potassium.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are soy from the soy milk and alcohol from the brandy. It is free from dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for many with dietary restrictions. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Away from the Holiday Eggnog is a nutritious, lower-calorie alternative to traditional eggnog. It provides protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free addition to your holiday festivities.

Summary

Away from the Holiday Eggnog offers a delightful, inclusive alternative to a traditional holiday favorite. With its creamy texture, festive spices, and vegan ingredients, it's a perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a holiday feast, this eggnog is sure to bring joy and comfort to your table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a chilly winter morning, just a few days after Christmas, and I was rummaging through the old recipe box that my mother had passed down to me. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a faded piece of stationery with elegant script handwriting. The title read "Away from the Holiday Eggnog" and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

I remembered the first time I had tasted this unique eggnog recipe. It was at a quaint little bed and breakfast in the countryside, where my husband and I had spent a cozy weekend getaway. The innkeeper, a warm and welcoming woman with a twinkle in her eye, had served us glasses of this creamy, spiced concoction by the crackling fire. It was unlike any eggnog I had ever tasted before – light and airy, with a hint of citrus and a touch of warmth from the rum. It was a perfect blend of flavors that danced on my tongue and left me craving more.

I had asked the innkeeper for the recipe, but she had simply smiled and said it was a family secret passed down through generations. I had resigned myself to never tasting that delicious eggnog again, until that fateful day when I found the recipe in my mother's old recipe box.

Excitement bubbled up inside me as I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions. It seemed simple enough – eggs, sugar, cream, citrus zest, rum, and a pinch of nutmeg. But there was something about the way the flavors were combined that made it truly magical. I knew I had to try making it myself.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I cracked the eggs, separated the yolks from the whites, and whisked them together with the sugar until they were pale and frothy. I added the cream, the citrus zest, and the rum, then folded in the stiffly beaten egg whites. Finally, I sprinkled a dusting of nutmeg on top and poured myself a glass.

As I took my first sip, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors that transported me back to that cozy inn. It was as if I could hear the crackling fire and feel the warmth of the hearth on my skin. The eggnog was creamy and smooth, with a bright citrusy tang that cut through the richness of the cream and the warmth of the rum. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate and brought a smile to my face.

I knew then that this recipe was a treasure, one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations. It was more than just a drink – it was a memory, a connection to a moment in time that would never fade. And so, every winter, I would make a batch of "Away from the Holiday Eggnog" and share it with my family and friends, spreading warmth and cheer with each glass.

As I sit here now, sipping a glass of that delicious eggnog, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous moment when I found this recipe. It has become a part of my family's holiday traditions, a reminder of the joy and warmth that we share during this special time of year. And as I raise my glass in a silent toast to the innkeeper who inspired it all, I know that her legacy lives on in every sip. Cheers to memories, to traditions, and to the magic of a simple recipe that brings us all together.

Categories

| Brandy Drink Recipes | Maple Syrup Recipes | Rum Drink Recipes | Silken Tofu Recipes | Soy Milk Recipes | Vegan Holiday Recipes |

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