IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

              The ubiquitous movie that we love to watch every year has a line in it, coming from the angel Clarence Oddbody, he asks Nick the bartender at Martini's to make him "Mulled wine, heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves". Clearly heated winter time drinks are an old fashioned notion. It is a rare cocktail party where you can even find a big bowl of punch these days. A little research has taught me that most cultures have their own favorite holiday drink.

                 Antiques Malls near and far are well stocked with vintage Tom And Jerry sets. Mine is a milk glass version with snappy red graphics. Tom and Jerry is actually a version of eggnog with brandy added. Created by Pierce Egan in the 1820's the brandy and rum  made this a more appealing party quaff for the non-teetotalers.  Here is a recipe from Esquire magazine:

Ingredients

• 12 egg(s)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 bottle brandy
• Pinch of ground allspice
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1 bottle dark rum
• milk
• nutmeg

 

Glass Type: mug

Instructions

 

Separate the eggs. Beat the whites until they form a stiff froth, and the yolks -- to which you have added the sugar -- "until they are as thin as water," as the professor advises, gradually adding 4 ounces brandy (spiceaholics will also add a pinch each of ground allspice, cinnamon, and cloves). Fold the whites into the yolks. When ready to serve, give it another stir and then put 1 tablespoon of this batter in a small mug or tumbler. Now add 1 ounce brandy (although some die-hard Dixiecrats prefer bourbon) and 1 ounce Jamaican rum, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Fill to the top with hot milk and stir until you get foam. Sprinkle a little grated nutmeg on top. This one may require practice and a certain amount of fiddling, but it's well worth the effort. Note: Some people find the milk too rich and filling, so they use half hot milk, half boiling water.

Read more: http://www.esquire.com/drinks/tom-and-jerry-drink-recipe#ixzz1fyNjZITy

            Marrying into a Scandinavian heritage, the holiday warm up drink is Glogg, very similar to Clarence's mulled wine which like he requested includes cloves and cinnamon...a recipe here:

Glögg is hot, spiced wine, perfect for cold winter evenings. Just follow this easy Glogg recipe to make your own great-tasting spiced wine. Variations are optional and add great personalized taste to your own "Glögg"!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 0.5 Liter inexpensive brandy or vodka
• 10 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick (broken down)
• 1/2 orange peel (dried or fresh)
• 1/2 lbs sugar (regular or lumps)
• Optional additions: 5 cloves, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup almonds, 5 dried figs

Preparation:

Heat the wine and brandy spices, fruit, and nuts in a pot (and any optional additions you might like.)

Be careful not to boil the mixture; just let it simmer for about 45 minutes.

Then, strain through a cloth to remove all additions.

Serve your Glogg hot over lumped sugar (or with regular granulated sugar).

Optional: You can also serve the Glogg with raisins or almonds. If you'd like the drink to be stronger, use more brandy.

This Glogg recipe makes approx 1.5 Liter (close to 1/2 gallon).

The candle is counting down and telling me that there are 17 days left till Christmas and although some may have their homes decorated, trees up, and gifts bought, I am finding that I am not one of them. I did find the little Gnome ornaments today though...love those little guys.  For me, the decorating is all about the artwork of my inlaws this adorable little Belsnickle included. This post is being linked to Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday, How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday and Julia's  Hooked on Houses annual Hooked on the Holidays party.

♥, Susan

 

    

Comments

[kim]

So wouldn't they consider the eggnog unsafe that way since the eggs haven't been heated?

[lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart]

What an interesting drink. Thank you for sharing the recipe.. hugs ~lynne~

[Jenna]

Not a big fan of eggnog... Glögg sounds like it could be tasty without raisins in it, though!

I'm also very pleased to see the fairies coming out for the fairy tree and the Christmas candle is being burned down. :)

Love you!

[oceanbreezesandcountrysneezes.blogspot.com]

I'm someone who has always liked serving punch at the holidays, while I'm not an eggnog fan, my family is. Your Glogg sure sounds yummy!

Happy weekend!

[Marydon]

Hubby loves eggnog. I do not.
Merry Christmas ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

GIVEAWAY ENDS 12/9

[LaVoice]

I love eggnog, from the Baum stores here. No alcohol in it. Still very good and fattening.