Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM December 13-19, 2023 UCW 19 Eggnog is a rich and delicious bev- erage that has become synonymous with the most festive time of year. is milk and egg-based concoc- tion is tasty on its own, or it can be dressed up with other flavors and spiked with a favorite spirit when celebrating the holiday season with other adult partygoers. December is National Eggnog Month, and December 24 is National Eggnog Day. ere is no more perfect time of year to learn everything you can about eggnog all the while sip- ping a cup of this creamy concoction. Indulge in these festive facts about the beverage, courtesy of Mental Floss, e Fact Site and Tastemade. •Eggnog likely originated in the medieval period and was known as "posset," a hot, milk-based drink made of spices and wine. Even though posset could be a cocktail, it also was used as a remedy for colds and flu for its soothing properties. •Milk, eggs and sherry used in the early recipes were difficult to come by, so when eggnog first appeared it was a drink only the wealthy could enjoy. at changed when eggnog was popularized in the American colo- nies, where dairy products and liquor were more readily available. •Etymologists believe "eggnog" stems from the word "noggin," which refers to small wooden mugs often used to serve strong ale, known by the slang word "nog." •In the Medieval period, it was risky to drink milk straight because it wasn't pasteurized. Eggnog con- tained alcohol so that it would kill off any harmful bacteria in the milk. •A typical homemade version of eggnog has roughly one egg per serv- ing. However, commercial eggnog is regulated by the FDA and can only contain 1 percent of the product's final weight in egg yolk solids. at stems from fear of raw egg and salmonella. •President George Washington apparently enjoyed serving eggnog at Christmas, and even had his own special recipe (see below), according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. •ere is no right or wrong alcohol to use when preparing eggnog. Dis- tilled spirits like rum, sherry, cognac, and whiskey all have produced suit- able eggnogs. •Puerto Rican coquito is a tradi- tional drink that is very similar to eggnog. •Individuals concerned about eggs or milk in eggnog can enjoy a vegan recipe made from nut milk instead. Commercially produced vegan egg- nog offerings are now more widely available. •One of the more notable flavors in eggnog comes from the use of nutmeg. Nutmeg is a fragrant spice made from grinding the seed of the nutmeg tree. Now that you have learned about eggnog, whip up a batch of George Washington's original recipe this holiday season. Eggnog (George Washington's original interpretation) 1 quart cream 1 quart milk 1 dozen tablespoons sugar 1 pint brandy 1/2 pint rye whiskey 1/2 pint Jamaican rum 1/4 pint sherry Eggs (Washington forgot to in- clude the number of eggs, so home chefs can improvise or use six, which seems to be the standard in tradi- tional recipes) Mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let sit in cool place for several days. Taste frequently. Tip: Today's recipe makers may want to set the eggnog in the refrig- erator as the "cool place" of choice. Tasty tidbits about your Christmas eggnog drink a STAFF REPORT FOOD AND DRINK Orders may be placed through The CARE Clinic starting January 1st, 2024 Meals provided by: Luigi's Italian Chop House and Bar 1. Family Style Chicken Marsala 2. Family Style Spaghetti *Lunch & Dinner options available *Meals include Salad, Potatoes, & Green Beans The Coffee Scene 1. Bacon Quiche 2. Vegetarian Quiche 3. Crustless Meat & Veggie Quiche *Dinner option only *Meals include Banana Bread Loaf & Prosecco Dorothy's Catering 2 1. Meat Lasagna 2. Chicken and Spinach Lasagna *Dinner option only * Meals include Salad, Bread, & Dessert 239 Robeson St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 485-0555