Egg Nog

I know you've heard this one before, but Happy New Year! Ahhhhh, this is a great time of year. Still reeling from unabashed overindulgence(which wasn't accompanied with guilt until now), you can look ahead at the new year as a clean slate; a time to imagine reinventing yourself, to be buoyed up by hope and resolve, as well as great intentions. This is the beginning of the making of new stories.

Now, all that aside, I am posting a recipe that is a New Year's Eve tradition, and while it may be a little late to be posting this(as my daughter just informed me), you can also look at this from the reinvention standpoint. Yes, the traditional drink is typically only associated with the holidays, BUT think of the possibilities that are waiting to be discovered. At a time when we are all thinking of ways to be healthier, I can't help but go back to some of my health roots: Adelle Davis. In her book Let's Have Healthy Children, Adelle Davis gives a recipe for "pep-up", made from fresh milk, powdered milk, raw eggs, brewer's yeast, vanilla, oil, frozen orange juice, calcium, lecithin, and magnesium. While touting the health benefits to expectant mothers, she also talks about her teenagers having this as an optional breakfast, providing all the protein and nutrients they need for breakfast. Ok, while this may be a little out of your comfort zone, think about the small jump egg nog needs to make from decadent drink to healthy smoothie. Keep the milk, eggs, vanilla and cinnamon(ever read the amazing benefits of cinnamon? least of which is helping your body to be able to better process sugar), and add in some frozen oj, fruit, protein powder, coconut oil, spinach(hey! you can't tell), whatever is in the realm of your possibilities. However you choose to make it, the point is, take the leap! Whether for your self that's not quite ready to let go of holiday cheer, or for your self that's ready to forge ahead into the realm of possibilities, treat yourself to a glass of happy.

Egg Nog

6 eggs, beaten to death, or until they're somethat thickened, frothy-looking, and lemony colored

Ok, I have to pause here, to really encourage you to be dilligent in using quality eggs here. I'm talking grain fed, no hormones or antibiotics, organic, whatever the label is. Just be picky, it matters in this one.

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup sugar
2 quarts milk
1-2 Tablespoons vanilla
cinnamon and nutmeg, generously sprinkled
softly whipped cream

Beat in to the dead eggs the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, vanilla and spices. Pour into a gallon pitcher, and mix in the fresh milk. Top with whipped cream and an additional sprinkling of nutmeg.