For this special holiday edition of Movie Chowdown, I thought I would combine a seasonal beverage with a seasonal movie, in case you need more cheer before the New Year. Every year since I was a Tiny Tim, my father has made eggnog using a traditional family recipe. Although it is a Christmas tradition, I find that ‘nog can be consumed during many of the winter months, and provides a welcome respite from the New Years shenanigry that consists mainly of cheap champagne and copious amounts of liquor. I was considering Scrooged and Holiday Inn, but I couldn’t help but think of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, made by the wonderful Chuck Jones. This movie is really a treat to watch, and with its short running time (under an hour), you can fit it in as you make the ‘nog, or during those few moments before bedtime. Â
How does eggnog fit in with this movie? Well, it doesn’t, but they do carve a delicious looking turkey, and ‘tis the season, right? If you are a fan of the old Looney Tunes shorts, you will instantly recognize the animation style. And the master of horror acting himself,…
For this special holiday edition of Movie Chowdown, I thought I would combine a seasonal beverage with a seasonal movie, in case you need more cheer before the New Year. Every year since I was a Tiny Tim, my father has made eggnog using a traditional family recipe. Although it is a Christmas tradition, I find that ‘nog can be consumed during many of the winter months, and provides a welcome respite from the New Years shenanigry that consists mainly of cheap champagne and copious amounts of liquor. I was considering Scrooged and Holiday Inn, but I couldn’t help but think of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, made by the wonderful Chuck Jones. This movie is really a treat to watch, and with its short running time (under an hour), you can fit it in as you make the ‘nog, or during those few moments before bedtime.
How does eggnog fit in with this movie? Well, it doesn’t, but they do carve a delicious looking turkey, and ‘tis the season, right? If you are a fan of the old Looney Tunes shorts, you will instantly recognize the animation style. And the master of horror acting himself, Mister Boris Karloff narrates and provides the voice of The Grinch. If that isn’t reason enough to go see this movie, your heart is three sizes too small. Now, on to the recipe.{{page_break}}
You will need:
Two chilled stainless steel bowls (you can put them outside if you live somewhere cold)
One punch bowl or other similarly sized receptacle
Six eggs *
Sugar
Heavy Cream
Milk
Liquor of your choice, as needed
Nutmeg
Start by separating the eggs into yolks and whites, placing the yolks in one of the stainless steel bowls, whilst putting the whites in the big punch bowl.
Next, pour 4 tablespoons of sugar into the punch bowl, and blend them with the egg whites until they become firm.
Into the second stainless steel bowl, pour ¾ pint (10 oz) of whipping cream, and beat until stiff. Combine the cream (which should be thick, like whipped cream) into the punch bowl with the egg whites and sugar mixture, and stir until completely blended.
Beat the six egg yolks together, and pour them into the punch bowl as well. Mix once more.
Measure out 2 cups of milk, and add slowly, stirring as it enters the punch bowl (for advanced students, this is also known as ‘folding’). The resulting mixture should be creamy, and slightly off-white. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes, so a skin of cream settles on top.
Finally, ladle or spoon the 'nog into a cup, and top with a little grated nutmeg. If you are of age, and you aren’t driving anywhere, you can pour in your favorite rum or whiskey. I went many, many years without the liquor, and it tastes delicious, so it’s up to you.
Sit back with a loved one or a group of friends, and throw on this Seuss classic. The warm glow of your tv set should heat you up sufficiently. Happy Holidays, and best of luck in the new year/decade. As always, feedback is appreciated. Keep on cooking, and don’t be a Grinch.
*This recipe involves raw eggs, obviously. Consuming raw eggs may be tasty, but it may also lead to salmonella, which is not nearly as delicious as it sounds, so if you don’t think its worth the risk, don’t do it. This recipe yields eight or nine servings, you can double the recipe if you are entertaining. Which you should do as often as needed, to create an air of sophistication and a genial disposition.
