Light Eggnog

Introducing a lighter and healthy Eggnog recipe just in time for the holidays.  (And it's also dairy-free.)

Ingredients:
4 cups unsweetened almond milk
6 egg yolks
2/3 cup raw honey
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tblsp whole cloves
1 tsp pure vanilla

1.  In a kitchen blender, add the almond milk, egg yolks, raw honey, nutmeg, cinnamon, and then blend for a minute until smooth.

2.  Pour the mixture into a saucepan, add the whole cloves, and heat over medium heat.

3.  Cook the eggnog for about 10-15 minutes until it starts to thicken and slowly cook the eggs.  It will be frothy at first.

4.  Let the mixture get hot but not boil or simmer, if it's close to boiling then whisk vigorously and remove from heat temporarily.

5.  Once thickened, turn off heat and stir in the vanilla.

6.  Strain to remove cloves, then place in an airtight container and chill 6-8 hours.  To serve sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Brown liquors work best with eggnog so to spike it try: bourbon, rum or brandy.

Duck Egg Baked Custard

This rich & creamy custard can also be me made with almond milk for a dairy-free option.

Serves 6.

3 large duck eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt
2-1/2 cups very warm milk (120-130 degrees)
ground nutmeg

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt with a wire whisk or fork.  Gradually stir in milk.  Pour into six 6-ounce containers/ custard cups.  Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Place cups in a 13x9-inch pan on oven rack.  Pour very hot water into pan within 1/2 inch of tops of cups.  Bake about 45 minutes.  Remove cups from water and cool about 30 minutes.  Custard can be served warm or chilled in fridge (cover first).