Eggnog

Many recipes make eggnog like a thin stirred custard. Milk, cream, yolks and sugar are cooked gently until slightly thickened, then chilled and flavored with nutmeg, vanilla and sometimes cinnamon. Some versions fold in whipped cream or beaten egg whites for a lighter, frothier drink.

Eggnog is a popular holiday flavor in baking too. It can replace part of the milk in cakes, quick breads and French toast, and it flavors pies, cheesecakes, cookies and buttercream. Freshly grated nutmeg gives the strongest, most familiar eggnog taste.