RedHeadedGirl’s Historical Kitchen: Eggnog

HAPPY HOLIDAYS LET’S HAVE SOME DAIRY SOAKED BOOZE.

I will show you two of my most prized possessions: my 100 year old (give or take) Mrs Beeton that I got in Edinburgh, and Raynelle. Raynelle is my new (to me) harp. I started taking lessons in April, and I love it. A lot. Raynelle was given to me by a lady on Twitter who couldn’t play anymore, and wanted her to go to someone who would play and love her.

I do love her. Here she is, posing with her little sister, Mignonette.

Anyway, Eggnog.

Mrs. Beeton has two recipes for eggnog, a cold and a hot version. They both involve brandy (as is correct), and wonder of wonders also involve MEASUREMENTS. THANK GOD.

The cold version is this:

Ingredients.—1 white of egg, 1 tablespoonful of sherry or brandy, 1 tablespoonful of cream, castor sugar to taste.

Method.—Put the wine or brandy into a tumbler, add the cream and a little sugar, and mix well. Whisk the white of egg to a stiff froth, stir it lightly into the contents of the tumbler, and serve.

I tried to find pasteurized eggs, but the grocery store that has a liquor license didn’t have them, so I got the carton of just plain egg whites. I mean, seriously, it seemed silly to get a whole pint of egg whites so I could use two tablespoons (the amount for a single egg) but salmonella is even sillier.

Anyway, it was… well, boozy, frothy dairy. It was fine, I guess?

The hot version was much tastier:

Ingredients.—The yolk of 1 egg, 1 pint of milk, 1 tablespoonful of castor sugar, 1 tablespoonful of brandy or whisky.

Method.—Beat the yolk of egg and sugar well together, then stir in the brandy or whisky. Bring the milk to boiling point, then pour it over the mixed ingredients, stir well, and serve.

In this case, I did use an actual egg yolk, since the milk was hot and would… I mean, look, it was a gamble. But also you can’t get yolks in a carton.

Anyway, this was actually kind of tasty? Like if you want hot chocolate but can’t have chocolate, this is a reasonable substitute! Even my roommate, who does not like warm milk, thought it was “not terrible!” I think that’s a win. I mean, look, I’m gonna stick with store bought eggnog for every day, but now I have brandy!

Anyway, have some eggnog, if you like it, have a happy and healthy and joyous holiday season that involves the precise kind of self care you need, and please enjoy this more or less okay rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” on Raynelle.