Here is a traditional southern recipe that a lot of southern's make instead of eggnog, it is also called boiled custard, it is rich and oh so good. If you love eggnog, you will love this. Merry Christmas Y'all
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 whole vanilla bean, or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 large egg yolks
¾ cup sugar
Prepare the bottom of a double boiler with simmering water. Put the milk, cream, and if using, the vanilla bean in the top of a double boiler and bring it to a simmer over direct medium heat. Transfer it to the bottom half with its simmering water.
In a heatproof bowl, beat together the sugar and egg yolks until it is light and smooth and ribbons off the spoon. Slowly beat in a cup of the hot liquid to temper the eggs, then slowly beat the eggs into the hot milk and cream.
Cook, stirring constantly until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Take the top pot from the heat and continue stirring until it has cooled slightly, about 4 minutes more. Remove the vanilla bean, if used. Stir in the extract, if using, and if serving cold, stir until it is cooled, then let it cool completely and refrigerate until well-chilled.
Here is a nice little cookie that is good for the holidays
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter
1 cup hazelnuts, ground
1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 vanilla bean
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, nuts, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, salt, and vanilla. Hand mix until thoroughly blended. Shape dough into a ball. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Meanwhile, place sugar in a bowl or small container. With sharp chef's knife, split vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape out seeds, and mix them into the sugar. Cut pod into 2 inch pieces and mix into sugar. Remove dough from refrigerator and form into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball into a small roll, 3 inches long. Place rolls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet, and bend each one to make a crescent shape. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set but not brown. Let stand 1 minute, then remove from cookie sheets. Place hot cookies on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Sprinkle with prepared sugar mixture. Turn gently to coat on both sides. Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Just before serving, coat with more vanilla flavored sugar.
Amount Per Serving Calories: 95 | Total Fat: 5.3g | Cholesterol: 10mg
