Eggnog

1. 1
   prep

   Separate the eggs.

   1.Crack 4 large eggs and separate the yolks from the whites into two bowls.

   2.Set the egg whites aside for another use.

   TIPRoom-temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the milk mixture.
2. 2
   mix · ~2 min

   Whisk yolks with sugar and spices.

   1.In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale and slightly thickened.

   2.Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt.

   3.Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
3. 3
   simmer · ~5 min

   Warm the milk and temper the egg mixture.

   1.Pour whole milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.

   2.Slowly drizzle 1 cup of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

   3.Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.

   TIPPour the hot milk in a thin, steady stream while whisking. Going too fast scrambles the eggs.
4. 4
   simmer · ~5 min

   Cook the eggnog base until thickened.

   1.Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk.

   2.Keep stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.

   3.Remove from heat immediately once thickened. Do not let it boil.

   TIPDraw a line through the coating on the spoon with your finger. If the line holds, the base is ready.
5. 5
   mix · ~1 min

   Strain and stir in cream and vanilla.

   1.Pour the hot eggnog base through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pitcher or large bowl.

   2.Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

   TIPStraining catches any accidental bits of cooked egg for a perfectly smooth eggnog.
6. 6
   rest · ~240 min

   Chill the eggnog thoroughly.

   1.Cover and refrigerate the eggnog until completely cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.

   2.The eggnog will continue to thicken as it chills.

   TIPOvernight chilling deepens the flavors. Make this a day ahead for the best taste.
7. 7
   serve

   Serve with a dusting of fresh nutmeg.

   1.Give the chilled eggnog a good whisk or shake before pouring.

   2.Pour into glasses and grate fresh nutmeg over the top, or sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg.

   TIPFreshly grated nutmeg has an intensely aromatic warmth that pre-ground can't match.

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