When I was growing up my mother use to buy cartons of Egg Nog at the grocery store. I tried it once. Once. That was more than enough.  That stuff was nasty and I made a promise to myself that I would never, ever sip Egg Nog again. Then I met Becky.

Becky was my neighbor when we lived in Navy Housing on the Bangor Submarine Base in Washington. Becky invited us up for a Christmas dinner and she served Egg Nog. My heart started thumping and my stomach started rolling. How was I going to avoid tasting her Egg Nog without seeming rude? Becky was such a sweet girl and I really wanted to be nice to her… but Egg Nog? That might just be too much for me to handle. As my mind raced wildly for an excuse not to take the offered drink my mouth betrayed me. I heard myself say, “I’d love some!” I was stuck and my only hope now was to take tiny sips and keep myself so busy talking that I just wouldn’t have time to drink very much.

I took a tiny sip. Whoa, what’s this in the cup? I thought she said it was Egg Nog. This wonderful creamy sweetness can’t be Egg Nog. I’ve tasted Egg Nog before and it was NASTY. This is when I learned that there is a huge difference between the Egg Nog that is sold in cartons and the Egg Nog that is made at home from a good recipe. Even if you think you don’t like Egg Nog you really need to try this recipe. It’s sooooo good!

EGG NOG

8 eggs
1 qt milk
1 qt half & half
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup rum
¾ cup brandy
nutmeg

Beat yolks and whites separately. Add sugar to whites and beat until dry and stiff. Mix yolks and whites together. Add milk and half & half. Add liquor to taste. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

(This is super good even without the rum and brandy. Adjust it to suit your taste.)