By CHRIS BARTON
Hic! Excuse me, but I'm filled with Christmas spirit.
I've never tried eggnog before but after reading The World of Nog knew I must.
"The question one must ask oneself is, 'What is the meaning of the universe?' I here have the answer. It is the Nog. Eggnog is the primordial goo that spawned life, as we know it."
And I thought it was simply a drink one had at Christmas.
"Those who see it as such a libation are fools. The enlightened know the Nog as the most addictive substance on Earth.
"How do I prove this? Simple - take a glass of Nog, fill it and drink."
But where to begin? There are so many recipes, especially at The Webtender.
Generally, this traditional Christmas beverage comprises milk or cream, beaten eggs, sugar, nutmeg and some kind of spirit - normally rum, but brandy, cognac, bourbon and whisky are common.
You may, or may not, care to know (from an Icelander's research) that eggnog evolved from a 17th century hot British drink called posset.
Alcohol-free eggnog has apparently "long been served to convalescents and growing children." Also, "the paranoia about salmonella" has brought about eggnog recipes using either egg substitutes, or cooked eggnog.
At first glance, some of the recipes sound revolting. Take the Waldorf-Astoria eggnog ingredients: 2 egg yolks, 1/2oz sugar syrup, 3/4oz port (tawny), 1 1/2oz bourbon, 3 1/2oz milk, 1/4oz cream, nutmeg. "Shake well over ice cubes in a shaker and strain into a large highball glass over ice cubes. Sprinkle with nutmeg."
My stomach churned less at the thought of Elaine Dickson's recipe. (Her mother served it with a small pitcher of rum - "using it 'to taste' or without."
The milk and beaten egg yolks are briefly cooked and then added to stiffly beaten egg whites.
"The eggnog is like a custard, it's so thick. Chill. When ready to serve, add whipping cream and sprinkle with nutmeg."
Eggnog can also be served hot to help warm the hearts of those celebrating Christmas in colder climes. Other hot drinks that do much the same are Glogg or Wassail and variants Bisp (Bishop) and Lambswool.
Glogg is a Scandinavian spiced-wine punch that gets its punch from the addition of aquavit, brandy, red wine or vodka. Wassail originates from the Norse "ves heill" (be in good health) and consists of red wine, cider or beer sweetened with sugar and infused with spices.
But for the occasional beautiful summer Christmas Day we get these drinks are not right. What's needed is something refreshing. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - rum, grenadine lemon and cranberry juice - could work.
Teetotallers may try Santa's Punch which, with its powerful combination of pineapple juice, lime Kool-aid (Refresh or similar), lime sherbet and ginger ale, looks sure to give a sugar rush and have the kids really climbing the walls.
On the subject of punches, I can sincerely recommend Madam Julia's Planter's Punch I made it recently for a birthday gathering and, oh yes, it was good.
If you're worried about the effects of too much imbibing, visit Burke's Backyard: "Alcohol isn't all bad. It helps increase the good HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in our blood and a glass of red or white wine or a gin, whisky or beer all have this beneficial effect."
Glad we got that sorted out.
But to really bring Christmas cheer to your neighbourhood why not try mummering - an old Newfoundland custom of covering one's face and, disguised in old clothes, visiting the homes of friends and neighbours. The entertainment comes from singing, dancing, partaking of a drink or two and guessing the identity of each "mummer."
Sounds a hoot. Better get in some supplies from Liquor King or Fine Wine Online. Ves heill!
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