*Eggnog Ice Cream

With the holiday season officially here I've been making a good deal of seasonal treats. Although the grocery marts are now stocking all of the holiday flavors, theres peppermint patty this, pumpkin pie, eggnog and eggnog flavored everything while all great, this time I opted to make a delish variation of my own. This was a great treat to enjoy while decorating the tree and spending time around a nice fire with my family. Yes folks, our tree is up and the holiday recipes are being made. (If I'm going to lug the crap out of my garage attic I'm going to enjoy looking at it for more than a hot second.)


 

Nothing says seasonality to me more than pumpkin pie and especially eggnog. I made this custardy ice cream with a basic custard ice cream recipe and added lots of nutmeg, and the secret weapon? Irish whiskey and Eggnog flavoring. Although purely optional the eggnog flavoring really kicks this up a notch. Its a wonderfully decadent and creamy custard that has the smoothest velvety texture. Amazing on pie or possibly floating in an Irish Hammer? Yum. Its practically a mouth full of Christmas.  Seriously Pumpkin pie with eggnog ice cream? I really can not think of a dish that could possibly represent this time of year any better, its a delicious representation of everything thats perfect about this time of year. 

Eggnog Ice cream: 

velvety frozen custard with nutmeg and eggnog flavoring

4 eggs

2 cups whole milk 

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon Irish Whiskey (I use Jameson because its my favorite)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon + fresh grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon eggnog flavoring (optional)

*pinch of salt

In a medium sauce pot combine eggs, milk, cream and sugar. Whisk to combine and place over medium low, to medium heat. Whisk gently until thickened. Be sure not to increase the heat too high or you will have scrambled eggs. It should take approximately 8 minutes until thick. Remove from the heat and place through a sieve. This will get rid of any clumps or funky egg that formed. Whisk in vanilla, nutmeg, whiskey, salt and eggnog flavoring if desired. Allow mixture to cool fully and then process in your ice cream machine according to manufacturers instructions.