Papa Jon’s Eggnog Cheesecake is inspired by traditional Christmas Eggnog Cocktail
Eggnog Cocktail.
A story:
Christmas Eve morning, 1958. Grandma’s house.
Aunt Tess and my mom were preparing the Traditional Italian Christmas foods for the annual family feast. My cousin Johnny Reggio, aka “Reggie-beans” and I (he was nine years old, I was ten) were plotting a Christmas caper.
We knew that there were several bottles of homemade Eggnog in the downstairs refrigerator chilling for the Holiday toast. We also knew, from past experience, that we loved the sweet creamy alcohol infused drink and the way it made us laugh, and no matter how fraught with danger we were going to get us some. Who could resist?
Our plan:
From where we were in the upstairs kitchen, we would quietly descend the stairs, walk the hallway past Grandma’s bedroom, being careful not to disturb her afternoon nap. Grandma was not an easy person when upset and there was no telling the consequence if we were caught. Once we cleared the hallway it was only a few steps to the pantry where our treasure was waiting. Easy!
The stairs in that old house were squeaky, something we had never noticed until now as we were trying to be quiet – that slowed our feet and quickened our hearts. The hallway floorboards also creaked and as we passed Grandma’s bedroom door I said a silent prayer of gratitude that Grandma was a bit deaf. Thank you Jesus!
We made it to the pantry but just as Reggie-Beans opened the refrigerator door Grandma suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She was as startled as we were and screamed, “Che Cosa Fai?!” (What are you doing?!)
The room froze.
Grandma glared at us huddled together like frightened pigeons. We must have looked pathetic. She saw the open refrigerator and the eggnog. Having sussed out the situation her eyes softened and she gently exhaled. She reached for one of the bottles then placed three glasses on the table. She poured a scant tablespoon of eggnog into two of the glasses then filled the third glass to the brim – that was for her.
As we sat down Grandma touched a finger to her lips indicating that this was our secret. “Salute”, she said, as we tipped our glasses.
Mission accomplished.
Eggnog Cocktail recipe:
One liter milk
One liter heavy cream
One liter (or less) half Rum and Half Brandy (to taste)
One cup sugar (200 ~ 250 grams to taste)
Ten eggs (separated)
A pinch of salt.
In a bowl, mix all ingredients (except egg whites) together.
Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Whip egg white until stiff and fold them into the milk/cream mixture.
Strain the mixture into separate bottle chill overnight.
To Serve: Pour into glasses and add a dash of nutmeg.
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