The History of Eggnog
Eggnog, a creamy and spiced holiday beverage, has a rich history that dates back to medieval Britain. Originally called “posset,” it was a hot, milky ale or wine drink enjoyed by monks and aristocrats. By the 18th century, the drink evolved into the eggnog we know today, blending milk, eggs, sugar, and spirits like brandy or rum. Colonists brought the recipe to America, where the abundance of dairy and cheaper liquor like rum made it a holiday favorite. Over time, eggnog became synonymous with festive gatherings, a symbol of warmth, celebration, and seasonal cheer.
Eggnog is always a holiday staple, but many find themselves with more in their refrigerator than they know what to do with. You may not even know how many other uses there are for eggnog besides just drinking it. With the main ingredients being sugar, eggs, milk and heavy cream, eggnog is a perfect substitute in baking and breakfast recipes. The richness of eggnog makes it a great ingredient to bake with all while making your recipe a bit more festive.
Here are a few ways to use up that extra eggnog:
- Milkshake
No one can refuse a milkshake, even in the winter! Use a blender to combine ¼ cup of our PICS eggnog and 4 scoops of the ice cream of your choice (we suggest PICS vanilla: a classic). For an extra festive treat, top with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles and a cherry.
- Pancake and waffle batter
Instead of using milk in pancake or waffle batter, use eggnog. It will feel like Christmas morning every day!
- Icing
This holiday icing is perfect to use on cinnamon buns, cupcakes, cookies or just about anything! You’ll just need ½ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, and 6 tablespoons eggnog. Combine the ingredients, while slowly mixing in the confectioners’ sugar. Incredible!
- Oatmeal
Whether you’re using rolled oats or instant oatmeal, you can swap out water or milk for our PICS eggnog. This makes a quick and easy holiday breakfast.
- Mashed sweet potatoes
Rather than adding sour cream to your mashed sweet potatoes, use eggnog! It’ll make it extra creamy and sweet.
The holiday season will be over before you know it, so be sure to try one (or a few, or all) of these methods, and head over to your local store to grab our PICS eggnog before it’s too late. Happy holidays from our family to yours!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
December 24th is National Eggnog Day, which is very fitting for this time of year. Eggnog can be purchased in the Dairy Section at any of our Price Chopper and Market 32 locations. If you want to try and make your own eggnog this holiday season, then this is the article for you! We have all of the fresh, delicious ingredients for this festive drink. Be sure to browse through our Price Chopper Website and our Price Chopper Ready for more holiday recipes.
What is eggnog? For those of you who may have never tried this drink, eggnog is a creamy, sweet mixture of milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Often, people may mix rum, bourbon, or brandy in eggnog as well. There is always an option for everyone, and there are many ways to make your eggnog dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients needed:
3 cups PICS whole
1 cups PICS heavy cream
2 PICS large eggs
½ cup PICS granulated sugar
1 teaspoon PICS vanilla extract
½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
½ cup Dark Rum (optional)
6 Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Step 1: Heat milk and cream on medium heat until steaming. Whisk occasionally.
Step 2: Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl. Carefully add in ⅓ of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk combination to temper the eggs. Be sure to keep mixing.
Step 3: Transfer the milk & yolk mixture into the pot on the stove, and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes, or until mixture reaches 165°). Whisk continuously. At this point, you can add in alcohol for a spiked eggnog drink, OR wait until the very last step to beat in alcohol.
Step 4: Strain eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer and whisk in vanilla and nutmeg. Refrigerate eggnog for at least two hours.
Step 5: If you did not add in alcohol in step 3, you can beat it now on medium speed. Otherwise, pour into glasses, add some PICS whipped cream, and enjoy!
Dairy-Free Eggnog:
There are many different add-ins and recipes for dairy-free eggnog, but there are some key factors that stay the same throughout all dairy-free eggnog recipes: Omit the regular milk and cream and use almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk. People often use 2-4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey in dairy-free eggnog.
Check out the full recipe here!
Vegan Eggnog:
Vegan eggnog calls for plant-based milk as well as the option to add in 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil for a creamer drink. All of the spices stay the same.
Check out the full recipe here!
We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!