(One of My Own) Traditional Egg Nog

Today is the day after Thanksgiving. It’s referred to as “Black” Friday. I prefer to call it “Pink” Friday. Not because I’m becoming a flake, but because pink happens to be the color of Pepto- Bismal! (Aka- the “pink stuff”)

Aside from today being one of the biggest (perhaps the second biggest after Christmas) shopping day in the entire year, it's also a day we're families look forward to the upcoming days filled with a wide variety of leftovers! The endless possibilities of left-over combinations, not to mention the millions of things you can do with turkey, make the next few lunches and dinners easy to make. Nevertheless, T-day leftovers help people figure out what they won't be having for Christmas dinner.

With that in mind, I decided to try my hand at egg nog. This was probably the most fun recipe I have ever followed. It all began with 12 eggs. For those who didn't know, egg nog does actually have eggs in it! A lot of them! I separated the yolks from the whites, placing each in separate bowls. I beat the yolks firm while slowly adding 1.5 cups of sugar. Once the yolks were the same color as butter, I slowly added 2 cups of bourbon and 3/4 cups of brandy. I thought that much alcohol would make it strong, but I trusted the recipe regardless. After, I added 6 cups of non-fat milk (as though non-fat would make any difference.) The 2 teaspoons of nutmeg was the last ingredient for the yolk mixture. I then whipped 2 cups of cream until its peaks were firm. I took out the same frustration on the egg whites that I used against the cream. Once the whites had submitted to my authority (and were firm, as well), I gently folded them and the whipped cream into the entire mixture.

I was worried it wouldn't taste like nog, but it did- better! The mixture settles quickly, but that’s not a problem. And the milk balanced out the strength of the booze nicely. Good thing I trusted the recipe. It made a lot of nog. Atleast enough to serve 10-12 people!

I really intended to make it for the family who invited me to join them for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. I was hesitant to bring some to them as their daughter, who actually did the inviting, doesn't care for egg nog. At least she was kind enough to have a sip. Perhaps it was better she didn't have any as she would have never been able to get up at 4am to call "dibs" on those first come-first serve "black Friday" deals at the department stores. I could embarrass her more but I value my life! :)