In Nog We Trust

How much do you really know about George Washington? Sure, you know he was the first president of the United States, and had wooden teeth, and chopped down a cherry tree (to make more teeth, maybe). But did you also know that he was a major boozehound? George Washington built a rye whiskey distillery on the grounds at Mount Vernon, and some explanation for the erratic tree-chopping and rotten teeth may come from his (incredible) egg nog recipe. It takes up to a week to cure it (so plan ahead), and is made from mostly booze, cream and eggs with the caloric content of, well, a mixture of booze, cream and eggs. But it tastes fantastic and is guaranteed to make your holiday party a historic one (if there is anyone left with a memory of what transpires). It is absolutely delicious and has some serious kick, I cannot tell a lie.

Ingredients:
2 cups brandy (like Hennessey)
1 cup rye whiskey (like Old Overholt)
1 cup dark Jamaica rum (like Myer's)
1/2 cup cream sherry (just ask at the liquor store)
10 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 quart milk
1 quart heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick

Mix all the liquor together in a pitcher (but be careful, you might get drunk from the fumes). Separate the egg yolks and whites into two large bowls. Using a mixer, beat the egg yolks while adding sugar, until the mixture turns a very light yellow (almost white). Slowly pour the liquor into the egg yolk mixture, while beating, until totally incorporated. Add milk and cream simultaneously, while continuing to slowly beat.

Clean your mixer beaters, and then beat the bowl of egg whites until stiff peaks form. Slowly fold the whites into the yolk/alcohol mixture, using a figure-eight motion. Add nutmeg and cinnamon stick and stir to combine. Cover and seal in an airtight container.

Allow egg nog to cure undisturbed for several days (4-7) in the coldest part of the refrigerator, or outside in a very cold (below 40 degrees) place. The mixture will separate as it cures, so just be sure to re-incorporate mixture before serving.

You know what they say, "those who can learn from history are happy to repeat it". Or something like that...