National Eggnog Day!

According to what Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote, in her book, "Farmer Boy", eggnog was not something reserved for Christmastime.  Almanzo's mother made eggnog for the little fellow, to cool him off during times he worked in the fields.  This was surely not the alcoholic laden drink that most think of at Christmastime!

I always liked the flavor of eggnog, but never really liked to drink it with rum in it.  I found this recipe years ago.  I eliminated the rum, substituted rum flavoring, and it became my version of eggnog.  But I've never tried it during the summer or fall, only at Christmastime!

This is a safe way to make eggnog, without being concerned about getting sick with raw eggs.

Farmer Boy Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups of whole milk
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 12 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 Cups of sugar
• 4 Cups of Half 'n Half
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons of rum flavoring
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg & more for a sprinkling

Directions: In a saucepan, over the lowest possible heat setting, heat the milk, cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon.  Bring it slowly to a boil, (about 5 minutes) strain out the cloves, and set it aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the egg yolks and sugar, till it is fluffy.  Whisk in the milk mixture.

Put the mixture back into a large pan and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. *Do not let it boil!  Cook and stir, till it thickens.  Remove it from the heat to cool completely.

Once it is cooled, stir in the 4 cups of half 'n half, along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla, rum flavoring, and the ground nutmeg.

Place this in the refrigerator for at least 6 to 8 hours.

*Pour it into cups, sprinkle a pinch of fresh ground nutmeg on top and enjoy!

This may not be exactly what Almanzo had as a boy, but it makes me think about him everytime I drink it!

*Note: For an extra frothy and thick eggnog: whip up the egg whites and place 1/4 cup of them in each cup before pouring in the eggnog.

Let's lift our cups in a toast to Laura and her husband, Almanzo, "Thanks for sharing your memories with us!"

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls