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Month: December 2023

Eggnog Elevated

 

Eggnog is readily available during the holidays at HEB and other grocers in Texas.  But if you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting home made eggnog – I challenge you to try this recipe.  It’s fresh, light and of course you can control the ingredients.

My grandmother always pulled her stand mixer out for the holidays to make homemade eggnog.  Of course she had a jersey cow and lots of chickens, so the freshness was unequaled.  When she poured the creamy white mixture into a pretty glass, she poured a “party”!

My German friend, Irina, shared  this drink with us and I was hooked!  By preparing the recipe ahead of time and giving the flavors several days to meld together, you’ll create a party for your mouth!

Served in martini glasses, this eggnog can also stand alone as desert!

 

Eggnog Elevated

A perfect holiday toast or desert
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, German
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium medium free range fresh eggs 
  • 6 1/2 ounces white sugar (caster if you can find it)
  • 18 fl ounces whole milk
  • 14 fl ounces whole cream
  • 14 fl ounces ounces rum or bourbon
  • Freshly grated nutmeg to taste

Instructions
 

Approximately a week prior to serving:

  • Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl with 3 1/2 ounces sugar until mixture is pale yellow and thick. (Best to use hand mixer)
  • Stir in the milk, double cream, and liquor.  You may add a little nutmeg at this point as well.
  • Store the mixture in glass jars for up to 2 weeks.  (The liquor keeps it from spoiling)
  • Place egg whites in container and freeze until ready to serve.

When ready to serve:

  • When ready to serve, defrost egg whites and pour into a clean metal or glass bowl.  Whisk until foamy and opaque.  Whisk in remainder of sugar until soft peaks form.
  • Pour the stored eggnog into a large bowl and fold in the egg whites until combined.
  • Ladle into glass tumblers and serve with a little freshly grated nutmeg.

Notes

I also like to add 1 tbsp vanilla.
Keyword eggnog, bourbon drink, rum drink

 

Stunning Cheeseball Appetizer

 

Want to elevate your holiday cheeseball?  Here you go!

This easy to create pine cone cheese ball is a “next level” appetizer that serves as both a decoration and enticing delight.

In the video, you’ll notice that I doubled the recipe.  This allows me to use it for two gatherings.  Love to reduce time during the holidays!

I have found that not stacking the almonds too close encourages guests to “dive in”.  It’s so pretty, that sometimes I have to encourage that first bite.:)

Enjoy!  And Happy HOLIdays!

 

Stunning Cheeseball Appetizer

A cheese ball with penache!
3.23 from 234 votes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2 - 3 cups whole almonds
  • 1 8-oz package cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonaise
  • 5 crisply cooked bacon slices, crumbled
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dill weed
  • 1/8 tsp ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Spread almonds in a single layer in shallow pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring once until almonds begin to turn color. Do not overbake.
  • Combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, bacon, cheese, onion, dill and pepper in a stand up mixer using dough hook.
  • Cover and chill overnight.
  • On a decorative platter, form cheese mixture into two cone shaped mounds.
  • Begin at the bottom, begin pressing almonds at a slight angle into cheese mixture keeping almonds close together, Continue overlapping rows until all cheese is covered. Garnish with rosemary. ,

Video

Notes

If you need 2 appetizers to take to parties for the holiday season, this doubles really well.  
Keyword cheeseball, appetizer, almonds, cream cheese