“Because eggnog is a holiday staple, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.”  Eggnog.ws

When was the last time you enjoyed some homemade eggnog?

She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand. (Job 39:14; NIV)

I really didn’t know much of the history behind this pleasurable holiday beverage.  Growing up on a dairy farm meant that eggnog was a common treat though.  We raised our own chickens, and of course, had our own milk and cream from those black and white beauties in the barn.  One memory that still stands out in my mind about eggnog revolves around my cousin Butch.  Butch was much older than I was and he lived with us at various times while working as a hired hand on the farm.  One morning he cracked an egg in a glass.  Poured in some milk, a little sugar and a smidge of vanilla extract.  He stuck a fork in the glass and gave it a few stirs.  Then he handed the glass to me and said, “Drink it straight down and don’t stop.”  Even that experience has never deterred me from drinking eggnog.

By the way, I’ve found it spelled eggnog and egg nog.  Not sure who’s right on that front.  Various stories abound around the inception of this winter toddy.  However, the consensus says that eggnog is a tradition that was brought to America from Europe.  Eggnog is related to various milk and wine punches that had been concocted long ago in the “Old World”. However, in America a new twist was put on the theme. Rum was used in the place of wine. In Colonial America, rum was commonly called “grog”, so the name eggnog is likely derived from the very descriptive term for this drink, “egg-and-grog”, which corrupted to egg’n'grog and soon to eggnog. At least this is one version…

Others say that the “nog” of eggnog comes from the word “noggin”. A noggin was a small, wooden, carved mug. It was used to serve drinks at the table in taverns.  The true story might be a mixture of the two and eggnog was originally called “egg and grog in a noggin”. That was a term that required shortening if there ever was one.

Most eggnog recipes call for some form of liquor.  We never had liquor in our house so I have never used it when making eggnog.  There are various ways of making this creamy beverage too.  Some recipes say to separate the eggs, beat the yolks with the cream and sweetener and then beat the whites and fold them in.  I’ve never done that but I tried it last night and did not like it.  It was too frothy and foamy.  Most all recipes call for sugar but I’ve developed a recipe using honey.  The organic ice cream is optional but adds a nice twist.  And yes, eggnog uses raw eggs.  Since I buy organically raised eggs from free-roaming chickens, I have no concerns over using raw eggs.  However, if that’s not something you’re comfortable doing, by all means have a cup of tea instead.

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for the incredible, edible egg.  May we all continue to remember the reason for the season is Your son, Jesus.

Link of the Day
Holiday Eggnog

Blessings on you as you enjoy some holiday eggnog.

“We can see a thousand miracles around us every day.  What is more supernatural than an egg yolk turning into a chicken?”  S. Parkes Cadman

How familiar are you with the real truth about eating EGGS?

Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?  (Job 6:6; NIV)

I know I’ve written about the health benefits of eating eggs before.  However, a recent conversation with a friend prompted me to address this issue once again.  The friend actually said that they ate “Eggs Beaters”, thinking that was a good thing.  I flinched and began my discourse on why eating whole eggs is good for us and that they don’t cause high cholesterol levels.  As Dr. Diana Schwarzbein says in her book, The Schwarzbein Principle; The Truth About Losing Weight, Being Healthy and Feeling Younger, “You can eat eggs every day, as many as your body wants.”  How’s that for a show stopper?

Dr. Joseph Mercola says that “most people generally don’t eat enough protein, and organic free-range eggs are one of your best sources. Remember, you can easily eat one dozen eggs per week, as they will NOT cause your cholesterol to increase.”  Eggs are one of the highest quality sources of protein along with being a very good source of iodine, a necessary nutrient for healthy thyroid function.  Eggs yolks contain lutein, an important nutrient for eye health.

Today’s link is from The Weston A Price foundation.  It’s an excellent article (pun intended) on “Good Egg, Bad Egg, How to Know?”  It gives some good tips for purchasing eggs.  Dr. Mercola also offers articles on his site about what eggs are the best ones to buy.  Use eggs for your healthy holiday baking and enjoy some homemade eggnog!

Prayer Power
Father, we are so grateful to You for all of Your wonderful creations.  We thank You for creating chickens and eggs…which ever came first.

Link of the Day
Good Egg, Bad Egg — How to Know?

Blessings on you as you enjoy some eggs during this holiday season.