Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Dairy!
The holiday season is in full swing, and we’re feeling the festive spirit here at the dairy! Christmas is such a special time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the year, and, of course, indulge in some delicious homemade treats. One of our favorite ways to bring the holidays to life is with a creamy, homemade eggnog made with fresh raw milk.

Farm-Fresh Eggnog Recipe
This classic recipe is rich, creamy, and full of festive cheer. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire.
Ingredients:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 c granulated sugar
• 1 c heavy whipping cream
• 2 c milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for topping
• Optional: ½ cup bourbon, rum, or brandy for a spirited version

Instructions:

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl until light and creamy.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cream, milk, nutmeg and salt. Stir often until the mixture reached a bare simmer.
3. Add a big spoonful of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking vigorously. Repeat, adding a big spoonful at a time, to temper the eggs.
4. Once most of the hot milk has been added to the eggs, stir the mixture back into the saucepan on the stove.
5. Whisk constantly for a minute or so, until the mixture is just slightly thickened (or until it reaches about 160 degrees F on a thermometer). It will thicken more as it cools.
6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and alcohol, if using.
7. Pour eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or other container and cover with plastic wrap.
8. Refrigerate until chilled. It will thicken as it cools. If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth.
9. Service with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired.
10. Store eggnog in fridge for up to one week.

This recipe makes about 6 servings and pairs perfectly with a cozy holiday movie or Christmas caroling session.

Items Available at the Christmas Market
For those of your doing some last minute shopping or would just like to come out and say hi, Sophia will be at the Hyattville Artisan Market this Thursday from 2-5 at the Paintrock Inn. She will have an assortment of holiday cheese logs, as well as, lemon bundt cake made with Diamond S dairy. Hope to see you all there!

As we wrap up another year, we want to thank you for your continued support and for making our dairy a part of your home. From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and delicious holiday moments!