Pop's Homemade Christmas Egg Nog

My husband Marty's parents, Mary & and Harry, were wonderful people. Their house was the "party house" and Christmas was no exception. It was the place to be during the holidays.

Everyone was welcome. Family, friends and even a few acquaintances, who were less fortunate than us, gathered around the table to eat, drink and enjoy each others company. There would be card games and sing-a-longs to the songs of Bing Crosby,  Eddie Arnold, the Mills Brothers and countless others. The records would play non-stop on the stereo; the tree lights would be blinking and everyone's glass would be full. ( My father-in-law made sure of that.)

I remember one Christmas Eve in particular. (1969) Pop asked if I would try out his homemade egg nog....just to make sure he didn't loose his touch. So delicious!! Of course, my nose went numb after two cups but delicious none the less.

I still make it every year in his memory. It is now tradition in our house. Back then, we didn't have to worry about salmonella and raw eggs. I now substitute egg beaters because they're pasteurized.

Here is the original recipe.

Pop's Homemade Christmas Egg Nog

• 2 quarts whole milk
• 1 pt heavy cream
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 qt vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 pint brandy
• 1 pint rum

Beat egg whites until fluffy and stiff. Mix all the other ingredients in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into punch bowl. Pour egg whites on top and fold into the mix. Add additional scoops of vanilla ice cream to keep the Egg Nog chilled. Sprinkle each cup with a little nutmeg.

**Pop always told me that it was the nutmeg that made my nose numb.

** When using egg beaters, I add the equivalent of 4 eggs to the mix.