Deconstructed eggnog is not as famous as normal eggnog, but you’d better believe that it’s just as delicious! By deconstructing the traditional recipe, you will be able to adapt it however you want.
You will be able to have a vegan or alcohol-free Deconstructed Egg Nog that can suit your whole family or all of your guests.
The term “deconstruction” in cooking means bringing all the ingredients of a specific recipe apart and them bring them back together in a different way.
Deconstructing eggnog is easy since it is made of a few simple ingredients.
What Is Deconstructed Egg Nog?
The process of deconstructing a recipe has been used in kitchens all over the world for quite some time now.
Separating the ingredients of a well-known recipe and then bringing them back together on a plate to make an entirely different version of the dish has become very popular.
Like many other desserts, eggnog, also called milk punch or egg milk punch, can be deconstructed and presented in an alternative way.
We are used to buying eggnog at the supermarket. It is often packaged in cartons and ready to drink.
While this can be extremely convenient, you can make it much better just by learning how to make the traditional recipe of this wintry treat!
The eggnog ingredients are not many, and they can be easily sourced. The base of this famous drink is composed of milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks. These components can be easily used individually or cooked in an alternative way.
So yes, you can even deconstruct eggnog! Let’s have a look at what the traditional eggnog version is and how to adapt it.
Traditional eggnog recipe
Ingredients for homemade eggnog:
- 6 egg yolks
- 100g granulated sugar
- 200g heavy whipping cream
- ½ liter of milk
- ½ teaspoon of nutmeg (ground)
- A pinch of salt
- Rum, bourbon, or brandy
- Cinnamon (ground, for topping)
Instructions
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar. Mix them until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.
- Keep stirring the mixture.
- Then, add a spoonful of hot milk to the mixture while stirring.
- Repeat and keep adding the milk. This process should temper the eggs.
- After adding all the milk to the mixture, bring it back on the stove.
- Keep whisking to thicken the mixture. Don’t overdo it as it will keep thickening after while cooling down.
- Add the rum, bourbon, or brandy to the mixture
- Bring the mixture into a container and seal it with plastic wrap.
- While cooling down, it will keep thickening. If you prefer a more liquid mixture, you can blend some milk in it.
- When serving, add cinnamon and whipped cream as a topping.
Cooked Vs. Uncooked Eggnog
Another thing to consider when deconstructing the traditional recipe is whether you prefer a cooked or uncooked eggnog version. While this is mainly a safety decision, the different process will modify the final taste of your recipe.
Cooked eggnog is considered the traditional way of preparing this drink and, originally, was thought to be safer to drink.
The process will, in fact, eliminate the risk of salmonella. This version will reach a consistency similar to custard and can be stored for longer.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a thinner and lighter version, the uncooked eggnog recipe can do just the trick.
I used to think that eggnog was too heavy a dessert to have after a multi-course holiday meal. By preparing it in this way, I could have the taste and the Christmas-y experience of the eggnog without the custardy consistency.
For this version, the process is extremely similar to the recipe that we have seen above. However, all the ingredients will need to be mixed and whisked together without the aid of any heat source.
While it can take longer to blend all the components together and create a smooth mixture, the final result will be a lighter, but just as tasty, eggnog.
Why Should I Deconstruct?
By truly understanding the individual ingredients that constitute the traditional eggnog recipe, you will be able to adapt this dessert to any taste or dietary requirement.
In fact, due to the presence of milk and eggs, the traditional recipe (and usually store-bought kinds) are not suitable for vegans, people who are lactose intolerant, and many others.
Whether you are on a diet or you have particular dietary requirements or preferences, there is an eggnog version to satisfy your needs this winter!
Let’s have a look at some of the versions that can be easily created by understanding the deconstructed ingredients eggnog is made of.
Deconstructed Egg Nog Recipe
Vegan Eggnog
Pretty much all the ingredients in the eggnog are not suitable for vegans. For me, this was a disaster when I became vegan!
However, with some research, it is possible to substitute all the ingredients and still be able to enjoy delicious eggnog.
- Milk substitutions: While coconut milk is preferred, you can use any of your favorite plant-based kinds of milk. Almond and hazelnut are perfect for giving your eggnog an extra nutty flavor.
- Eggs substitution: you really don’t need to substitute eggs, just imitate their consistency. This is where nuts come in! My favorite is cashews, as their flavor is quite neutral but creates a perfectly smooth consistency. However, feel free to swap them for any other nut.
- It is incredibly easy to make, and there is no salmonella risk! Just put everything together in the blender and voila.
Healthy and Low-Calorie Eggnog
If you are on a strict diet, there is no need to despair! To create the perfect low-calorie eggnog, just substitute any ingredient for a healthier alternative.
You will be able to find a sugar-free and fat-free vanilla extract. In terms of replacing the sugar itself, one of the best options is honey or maple syrup.
However, you should be aware that these two options can be much sweeter than sugar itself. In this case, it is recommended to add the sweetener slowly and check the flavor constantly.
Alcohol-Free Eggnog
While the original recipe requires you to make the eggnog with alcohol and let it rest for weeks, the more modern and lighter versions of this Christmas-y treat can be made without the rum or bourbon.
Originally, in fact, the alcoholic element was used to sterilize the eggs and eliminate the risk of salmonella. However, by cooking it, you will have both perfectly safe and alcohol-free eggnog.
Substituting the liqueur for vanilla extract, you will notice that the difference in flavor is almost non-existent, but the eggnog is easier to drink, even after heavier meals.
If you have an extended family or you are preparing this recipe for a dinner party, you will be able to serve this eggnog to adults and kids alike.
You won’t need to make a different dessert option, and it will be loved just as much by the alcohol-drinking adults at the party.
Conclusion
Buying eggnog in a carton from the supermarket can be extremely convenient, but by deconstructing it, you will be able to understand its ingredients truly.
By doing so, it can be turned into a vegan, healthy, or alcohol-free dessert that can make the whole family happy.
Have you tried any of these alternative deconstructed egg nog recipes? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
