Creamy Eggnog

So my daughter and I are avid eggnog fans.  I thought we would try to make our own this Christmas season and I am so glad we did.  Not only are we not getting all those extra preservatives, but we are having fun making it!  At that makes it taste so much better!  My husband doesn't like eggnog but he had a few glasses of this.  Instead of rum I used imitation rum extract and was very pleased with the results.  It is easy to make and well worth the effort and time put into it.

4 eggs

1/3 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon rum extract
ground nutmeg for garnish
cinnamon sticks for garnish

1. In a pan gently beat your eggs adding 1/3 cup sugar and salt.  Gradually stir in milk.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture reaches 160 F or until it coasts the back of a metal spoon. (If you cook it higher you will curdle your mixture.)  Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.  Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.

2. In a large bowl beat the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon till soft peaks form.  Fold into chilled custard.  Stir in rum extract.  Serve garnishing with nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.  Enjoy but don't drink too much!