Eggnog Parfait Pies

Irresistible Eggnog Parfait Pies Recipe - A Delightful American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Eggnog Parfait Pies are a delicious and festive dessert that combines the flavors of traditional eggnog with a creamy and light parfait filling. These individual pies are perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

History

Eggnog has been a popular holiday drink for centuries, with origins dating back to medieval Europe. The combination of eggs, milk, and spices like nutmeg and rum has been enjoyed during the holiday season for generations. This recipe takes the classic flavors of eggnog and transforms them into a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

1 pack lemon-flavored gelatin
1 cup hot water
1 pt (473 ml) vanilla ice cream
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.75 tsp rum flavoring
2 well-beaten egg yolks
2 stiff-beaten egg whites
4 to 6 baked pastry tart shells
whipped cream
candy decorettes

How to prepare

Dissolve gelatin in hot water.
Cut ice cream into 6 chunks and add to gelatin. Stir until melted.
Chill until partially set.
Add nutmeg and flavoring.
Stir in egg yolks and fold in egg whites.
Pour into cooled tart shells and chill until set.
Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with candy decorettes.

Variations

For a boozy twist, you can add a splash of rum or bourbon to the filling mixture.
You can also experiment with different flavors of ice cream, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to customize the taste of the pies.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the gelatin mixture until it is partially set before adding the nutmeg and rum flavoring. This will help the filling to set properly and hold its shape.

- Be sure to fold in the stiff-beaten egg whites gently to maintain the light and airy texture of the filling.

- For a more decadent dessert, you can use homemade pastry tart shells instead of store-bought ones.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Eggnog Parfait Pies chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Eggnog Parfait Pies is to chill the gelatin mixture until it is partially set before adding the remaining ingredients. This will help the filling to set properly and hold its shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have rum flavoring on hand, you can substitute with vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Eggnog Parfait Pies up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the whipped cream and candy decorettes right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For a more elegant presentation, you can garnish the Eggnog Parfait Pies with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Pairing Recommendations

Eggnog Parfait Pies pair well with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of spiced cider for a cozy and festive dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Eggnog Parfait Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the pies come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggnog Parfait Pie contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Eggnog Parfait Pie contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Eggnog Parfait Pie contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Eggnog Parfait Pie contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggnog Parfait Pie is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and gelatin, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Eggnog Parfait Pie is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins A and D.

Summary

Eggnog Parfait Pies are a delightful and festive dessert that combines the classic flavors of eggnog with a light and creamy parfait filling. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a delicious treat that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy these individual pies at your next holiday gathering or special occasion for a sweet and satisfying end to your meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha who lived in a small cottage by the sea. We were sitting on her porch, sipping iced tea and watching the waves crash against the shore when she suddenly pulled out a worn, tattered recipe book from her apron pocket.

"Have you ever tried Eggnog Parfait Pies, my dear?" Martha asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the sound of the dessert. Martha handed me the recipe book, and as I flipped through the pages, I could see that this recipe was something special. It called for layers of creamy eggnog custard, spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, sandwiched between layers of crunchy graham cracker crumbs and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

"This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations," Martha explained. "It's a favorite during the holidays, but I thought we could give it a summertime twist by turning it into individual parfait pies."

I was immediately sold on the idea and we set to work in Martha's cozy kitchen. She guided me through the steps, showing me how to whisk the custard until it was smooth and silky, and how to layer it with the graham cracker crumbs in delicate parfait glasses. The aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dessert.

After a few hours of chilling in the refrigerator, our Eggnog Parfait Pies were ready to be served. The custard had set perfectly, and the flavors had melded together beautifully. We garnished each pie with a sprig of fresh mint and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and then we sat down on the porch to enjoy our creation.

The first bite was pure bliss. The eggnog custard was rich and velvety, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The graham cracker crumbs added a delightful crunch, and the whipped cream on top was like a fluffy cloud of perfection. I closed my eyes and savored every mouthful, feeling grateful for Martha's generosity in sharing this special recipe with me.

As we finished our pies, the sun began to set over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the sea. I knew that this moment would stay with me forever, a perfect blend of friendship, food, and memories. And I made a mental note to add Eggnog Parfait Pies to my own collection of cherished recipes, to be passed down to future generations.

Since that day, I have made Eggnog Parfait Pies many times, always with a sense of nostalgia for that summer afternoon spent with Martha. Each batch is a tribute to the tradition and love that went into creating this recipe, and I take pride in sharing it with my own friends and family. It has become a staple on my holiday dessert table, a reminder of the simple joys that can be found in a homemade treat made with care and dedication.

And so, whenever I make Eggnog Parfait Pies, I think of Martha and our special bond forged over a shared love of cooking and good food. I am grateful for the memories we created together, and for the recipe that will always connect us, no matter where life may take us.