How to Make Nonalcoholic Eggnog

Eggnog truly depends on alcohol for authentic flavor; the word "nog" derives from an old English term for strong ale or liquor. But commercial eggnogs sold in stores have no alcohol, nor does this home version. This recipe makes about eight small servings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Groceries
• Mixing Bowls
• Saucepans
• Spatulas
• Strainers
• Wire Whisks
• Wooden Spoons
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 5 or 6 cloves
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 c. half-and-half
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. rum extract
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 10 white peppercorns
• 2 c. whole milk

1. Heat the milk, cloves and peppercorns over low heat in a nonreactive saucepan until the mixture steams and is very hot.
2. While the milk heats, beat the egg yolks, nutmeg, sugar and vanilla thoroughly.
3. When the milk is hot, shut off the heat and strain out the cloves and peppercorns.
4. Start whisking the egg yolks vigorously, and slowly ladle one scoop of the milk into the yolks.
5. Switch the whisk into the saucepan and whisk the hot milk while slowly pouring the egg/milk mixture into the saucepan.
6. Return the saucepan to low heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heatproof flexible spatula. Make sure to stir the mixture off the bottom so the portion in contact with the floor of the pan doesn't overcook. The mixture will thicken as it cooks; it's done when it coats the back of the spoon or spatula.
7. Test by dragging your finger across the back of the spoon or spatula; it's done when your finger leaves a path through the thickened milk and it doesn't run. (This might take as long as 20 minutes. Keep the heat low and don't rush it, or you might scramble the eggs.)
8. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining extracts and half-and-half.
9. Chill thoroughly before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• The irony of this recipe is that the extracts are held in an alcohol solution. The amount used here is minimal, however, and no alcohol is detectable in the finished version.
• If rum extract is not available, substitute 1/2 tsp. orange extract. (You should find extracts in the spice section of your supermarket.)