The holiday season has its rules, from its distinct colour palette to the cold weather. Listen closely, and you can hear the sound of bells jingling with their particular charm.
If you are like me, the best thing to do during this time of year is to make yourself cosy in bed, wrap your blanket tightly, and snooze the alarm until the very last minute before being pulled by daily mundane routine.
But once you start to see the familiar shades of red and white peeking through the decorations and hear the distinct tune of ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey blasting through every department store you visit, with the smell of cocoa drifting through the air, you begin to grin from ear to ear, knowing that the holiday season is here.
For me, this time of year is all about my friends and family, the warmth they provide through their presence, the never-ending chats, hand warmers, and not to forget my annual passionate love affair with electric heaters! (Trust me, we two are inseparable!). The sounds of carols and bells reinforce my passion for baking, but then again, it might just be the cold weather tempting me to make something special for my loved ones to reciprocate the warmth and affection they provide me.
If you are feeling adventurous this holiday season, let me share recipes perfect for spreading love among your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will guide you to create beautiful and delicious holiday treats.
A pinch of saffron threads (about 1/8 teaspoon)
3/4 cup brandy, rum, or bourbon (optional)
Ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish
Infuse the Saffron : Place the saffron threads in a small bowl with a tablespoon of warm milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to infuse.
Prepare the Egg Yolks : Whisk the egg yolks in a large mixing bowl until they are pale and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Mix the Liquids : Add the milk, heavy cream, grated nutmeg, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and saffron-infused milk to the egg yolk mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Heat the Mixture : Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches a temperature of about 160°F (71°C). Do not let it boil. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Beat the Egg Whites : In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add a tablespoon of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
Combine and Chill : Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cooled eggnog mixture. If using alcohol, stir it in at this point. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
Serve : Pour the eggnog into glasses, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon. Enjoy!
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
