It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas! That might just be because Royal Crest Dairy (our local dairy delivery) recently began offering their eggnog for the holidays…so, of course, I had them deliver a bottle of the light eggnog. Hey, just because it’s not even Thanksgiving doesn’t mean I can’t sample the holiday flavors, right?
Side note: I was disappointed to see that Royal Crest’s “old fashioned” recipe for eggnog includes high-fructose corn syrup (I didn’t know this until after it was ordered and delivered). This holiday season, I’m planning to shop around to see if anyone carries eggnog with ingredients that fit our lifestyle better (since we are trying to eat fewer processed foods and more “real” foods). I may even attempt to make a homemade eggnog, which I have never done before. For the time being, I will use the eggnog we have as the once-in-a-while treat that it should be. Everything in moderation!
One of my favorite ways to enjoy eggnog is in an Eggnog Chai Latte. Starbucks will make them for you if they have eggnog in stock for the holidays, but why not save a few bucks (and maybe a few calories) by making it yourself? It’s very easy and only requires 2 ingredients besides water, so you really have no excuse not to make your own. When I make my Eggnog Chai at home, I have total control over the quality and amounts of the ingredients…so I can make it just the way I like it!
Here’s how I make my Eggnog Chai:
Eggnog Chai (serves 1)
Ingredients
- 1 tea bag of Chai Tea (your preference, I use Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice because it is from a local company and caffeine-free)
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup of eggnog (you can use more or less depending on your taste preferences)
In a mug, pour steaming hot water over the tea bag and let steep for 6 minutes; remove tea bag. In a separate microwavable container, warm the eggnog for about 15 seconds on high (until just warm and steaming a bit). Stir the warm eggnog into the chai tea, and enjoy!
If you want to really make your Eggnog Chai deluxe, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. The spiciness of the tea and the creaminess of the eggnog go so nicely together. Whenever I have an eggnog chai, the flavor always reminds me of the holidays. Just a sip feels warm, cozy, and inviting.
If there are any other eggnog lovers out there, please let me know your favorite brand or recipe of eggnog in the comments below.
