Introduction
Ah, the holiday season! A time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delightful treats. One dessert that never fails to evoke the warm, cozy spirit of the season is Homemade Eggnog Pudding. This luscious, rich pudding brings the beloved flavors of eggnog to your dessert table in a delightful new form. Creamy and smooth, every spoonful is a nostalgic reminder of festive gatherings, making it a perfect choice for your upcoming celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup rum or bourbon (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 4-6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, salt, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- While that’s warming up, whisk the cornstarch and egg yolks together in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
- To temper the yolks, slowly ladle about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This helps prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking vigorously, until the pudding thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rum or bourbon, if you’re using it, for that extra festive kick.
- Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or one large dish. To prevent a skin from forming, cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. When ready to serve, spoon the beautifully set pudding into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
Notes or Tips
For an even richer flavor, consider using fresh nutmeg instead of pre-ground. Simply grate a little right into your pudding mix. Additionally, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to omit the rum or bourbon altogether; the pudding will still be wonderfully delicious!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires a technique called tempering, which is essential to ensure that the egg yolks don’t scramble when added to the hot milk mixture. Remember to whisk constantly while slowly adding the warm liquid to the yolks to create a smooth, creamy pudding base that’s a delight to enjoy.
FAQ
Can I make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How long can I store leftovers?
This pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s covered tightly to keep it fresh!
Conclusion
Your gatherings this holiday season just got a little sweeter with this Homemade Eggnog Pudding. Perfectly creamy, wonderfully spiced, and delightfully festive, it’s bound to become a new tradition at your table. Serve it chilled, relish the enchanting flavors, and watch as it brings joy to family and friends alike. Happy cooking and even happier eating!