December 13, 2006
Wednesday PM

Holidays are a great time to raise a glass with friends and family, especially with a glass of eggnog. Whether you like to drink it straight up or add a little zip with rum, here are a few shopping and health tips to consider when you're filling up your grocery basket.

- Low fat eggnog may have fewer calories than the full fat variety, but typically it has the same amount of carbohydrates.

- Always go for the store-bought variety if serving the elderly or anyone whose health is compromised. Store brands are always heavily pasteurized whereas homemade may contain harmful bacteria if the eggs are not cooked well enough.

- Many homemade eggnog recipes contain more fat and calories than store-bought. That's because store bought brands typically use thickeners instead of extra cream and eggs. Plus labeling requirements of store brands means you can keep track of exactly how much fat and calories you're consuming. That said, most gourmets agree the homemade stuff tastes far better when it comes to flavor depth and texture.

- Reduce calories without reducing flavor by mixing eggnog with skim milk!

- If you plan to spice up your eggnog with some rum, keep in mind that one-ounce of alcohol will add 100 calories to your drink.

- To make your own:

Crack six eggs, whisk them in a pan over medium-low heat, and add 2 cups of whole milk and 1/3 of a cup of sugar. Stir until it thickens. (About enough to cover a wooden spoon.)

Then get a bowl of ice water, put the pan in the bowl and keep stirring until it starts to cool.

Add a teaspoon of pure vanilla and half a cup of rum.

Then put the whole thing in the fridge, cover it and let it chill.

When you are ready to serve grate some fresh nutmeg over top

Cheers and happy holidays!

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Ketchikan, Alaska