Favorite Holiday Drinks

Every now and then, I will come across an item that I want to share with everyone I know. This is one of those times.

Yahoo! has a food blog called The Green Table. For the holiday season, they have posted yummy holiday drink recipes. What is a holiday party without egg nog and apple cider?

Homemade Egg Nog

6 egg yolks

½ pound superfine Sugar

½ quart milk

½ quart heavy cream

1 tablespoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground dry gingerzest from ½ orange

½ quart rum (optional)

In a bowl, gently whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth. Whisk in the milk, cream, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest. For best results, make the mix the day before and allow to "rest" overnight in the refrigerator. Strain before serving if you like a smoother texture.

Mulled Cider

1 quart apple cider

10 whole cloves

5 large cinnamon sticks

½ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ cup dark brown sugar

1 knob fresh ginger, peeled and pricked with a fork

zest from ½ lemon1 apple, such as Macoun or McIntosh varieties, washed, cored, and diced

Heat the cider on the stove until hot but not boiling. Add all of the other ingredients (except the lemon zest) and stir to blend. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Remove the ginger (and whole spices, if desired). Add the lemon zest and diced apple. Serve immediately!

I hope your holidays are FABULOUS!