Kazia Jankowski - big world | small kitchen

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Christmas Eggnog & Introductions

On Christmas Eve, when the first star comes out, we eat. And we always start with German Christmas eggnog. I’m not sure why, since the rest of the meal—down to waiting for the first star—is Polish tradition. But somewhere along the way our German neighbor slipped my parents her instructions for caramel-y eggnog, and each Christmas Eve, we huddle in the twinkling light of the tree and toast the beginning of the holiday with homemade Christmas eggnog. This year will be the same—with one small exception.

This holiday, I couldn’t wait until the 24th to make eggnog. Last week, I had friends coming over, and with a poinsettia positioned just right on my dining table and shimmering ornaments hung from my ceiling fan, I thought the creamy, eggy drink just the cocktail to continue the Christmas cheer. So I emailed my mom for the recipe—and with her response, came the small exception.

You see, a couple of weeks ago, I finally told my parents about the guy I am dating. The guy I really like, who is as much up for learning to bake a cake, as he is skiing on powder days and drinking cocktails at the end of them.

But this guy has come on the heels of several truly impractical—maybe even crazy—relationships. There was the daredevil Serb, the filmmaker in Philly, the writer in New York, and the chef 23 years older than me. After that string of romances, I worried that my parents wouldn’t take anyone I was dating seriously.

But somehow my description of the new guy didn’t make my parents balk. Maybe it was his Ph.D. Or the fact that he owned a house. Or maybe it was that my friends had given their approval. Whatever it was, there was something about this man that had wooed my parents as much as me. So when my mom sent the reply to the eggnog recipe, she also included an invitation for the new guy to come to Christmas Eve dinner.

I read her invitation, still caught up in thoughts of whole milk and Cognac. But when I read it again, my heart did a double take. One of those quick palpitations. Then, my stomach fluttered and squeezed. Even if the new guy said no, my family knew how to tell me in the deepest way that not only were they thinking of me, but they accepted me.

So this year, I’m especially looking forward to the eggnog on Christmas Eve. With the fire crackling behind me and the Christmas tree in front of us, I’ll raise the light, foamy cocktail to my parents and my sister. I’ll sip the cool creamy drink, dusted with warm, spicy nutmeg, thinking of the German neighbor who added a little twist to our Polish Christmas tradition. And then, I’ll turn and raise my glass to the new guy—he said yes to my parents’ offer—and as I do so, I’ll wonder what twist he might put in our Christmas tradition.

Christmas Eggnog
Serves 8-10

Eggnog is incredibly easy to make, and the homemade version is lighter than the store-bought variety. So you can drink more! Be sure to use very fresh eggs, which give good texture and reduce the risk of food contamination. Also, don’t feel obligated to include the alcohol. This recipe delightful without it.

2 eggs, separated
1/3 cup sugar
2 2/3 cup whole milk
2/3 cup Cognac
1/3 cup light rum
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar. Whisk until thick and pale yellow, about 45 seconds. (Don’t worry if initially this mixture seems too thick; it will loosen as you continue to whisk.)

Add milk, continuing to mix, until combined. Stir in Cognac and rum. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Pour egg whites into another medium bowl. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat until lightly frothy. Slowly add powdered sugar, while continuing to mix. Beat egg whites until light and foamy, and they form soft peaks.

Gently fold the egg whites into the milk mixture. Fold until whites are evenly distributed. They should give the eggnog a foamy top, and there shouldn’t be any large pieces of whites remaining.

Serve in small glasses, dusted with nutmeg.

For a printable recipe, click here.

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