Christmas Egg Nog
December 22, 2008 by Jo
Filed under Holidays, Recipes, Traditions
What is Egg Nog?
Egg Nog literally means eggs inside a small cup. It is used as a toast to ones health. Nog is an old English dialect word (from East Anglia) of obscure origins that was used to describe a kind of strong beer (hence noggin). It is first recorded in the seventeenth century. Egg Nog, however, is first mentioned in the early nineteenth century but seems to have been popular on both sides of the Atlantic at that time. An alternative British name was egg flip.
The History of Egg Nog
From England’s Buckingham Palace to America’s the White House to homes everywhere, toasting the holidays with Egg Nog is a custom rich in tradition. Historically, Egg Nog is first mentioned in the early part of the seventeenth century as a beverage used to toast one’s health.It all began in England, where Egg Nog was the trademark drink of the upper class. “You have to remember, the average Londoner rarely saw a glass of milk,” says author/historian James Humes, former speech writer and adviser to four presidents. “There was no refrigeration, and the farms belonged to the big estates. Those who could get milk and eggs to make Egg Nog mixed it with brandy or Madeira or even sherry.” But it became most popular in America, where farms and dairy products were plentiful, as was rum. Rum came to American shores via the Triangular Trade from the Caribbean; thus it was far more affordable than the heavily taxed brandy or other European spirits that it replaced.”
Many believe that the Egg Nog tradition was brought to America from Europe. This is partially true. Egg Nog is related to various milk and wine punches that had been concocted long ago in the “Old World”. However, in America a new twist was put on the theme. Rum was used in the place of wine. In Colonial America, rum was commonly called “grog”, so the name Egg Nog is likely derived from the very descriptive term for this drink, “egg-and-grog”,
which corrupted to egg’n'grog and soon to Egg Nog. At least this is one version…
Other experts believe that the “nog” of Egg Nog comes from the word “noggin”. A noggin was a small, wooden, carved mug. It was used to serve drinks at table in taverns (while drinks beside the fire were served in tankards). It is thought that Egg Nog started out as a mixture of Spanish “Sherry” and milk. The English called this concoction “Dry Sack Posset”.
It is very easy to see how an egg drink in a noggin could become Egg Nog.The true story might be a mixture of the two and Egg Nog was originally called “egg and grog in a noggin”. This was a term that required shortening if ever there was one.
Egg Nog is still a popular drink during the holidays, and its social character remains. It is hard to imagine a Christmas without a cup of the “nog” to spice up the atmosphere and lend merriment and joy to the proceedings. When you try out one of the two recipes in this post, remember that, like many other grand traditions, there is history and life behind that little frothy brew.
Brandy Egg Nog Recipe
The following Egg Nog recipe will teach you how to make it the traditional Christmas Egg Nog way.This specific alcoholic version specifically uses brandy but rum is the most popular alcoholic spirit used for traditional Egg Nog.
Ingredients
* 6 Eggs, Separated
* 1/2 c Super fine sugar
* 1/4 tsp Salt
* 2 ts Vanilla
* 2 c Brandy
* 1 c Milk
* 2 c Whipping cream
* Nutmeg
How to make Homemade Brandy Egg Nog
Beat egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, nutmeg, salt and vanilla together with rotary beater or electric mixer until very thick and light yellow.
Slowly beat in brandy and milk. Cover and chill overnight.
Shortly before serving, beat egg whites to soft peaks.
Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar with same beater, beat cream to soft peaks. Fold meringue into beaten cream. Then slowly pour on chilled brandy mixture folding in gently.
16 servings
Non Alcoholic Egg Nog Drink Recipe
What is Christmas without all the wonderful scents and warmth of Christmas Egg Nog? Here is a wonderful recipe for a non-alcoholic Egg Nog.
Ingredients
* 12 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups sugar
* 1 quart cream
* Vanilla (to taste)
* Dash of nutmeg
How to make Non Alcoholic Egg Nog
* Separate eggs at room temp. Beat yolks till creamed with about half of sugar, whites till peaked then add other half of sugar. Beat cream till stiff. Then fold all together. Add vanilla to taste – but remember that a little bit of vanilla goes a long way.
* Place into containers keep in refrigerator for at least one day. Shake before serving.
16 servings
If you have not made Egg Nog a Christmas family tradition then try it this year and I am sure you will have it for Christmases to come. Merry Christmas!
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