Monday, December 16, 2013

Christmas Egg Nog

I absolutely love Christmas. I love the lights, adore the music, and love the generally since of cheeriness that seems to be everywhere. Seriously, my local grocery store decorated and has started playing Christmas music, and it seriously makes me stay in there for at least an extra 5 minutes every time just because it makes me happy to be around an Christmasy environment...in a grocery store.


                                                      Printable Recipe 
So naturally, the day after Thanksgiving I start getting into Christmas mode. By the way, being in the UK there is obviously no such thing as Thanksgiving here...I really miss that about he USA. But I digress. So, part of getting in the Christmas mode for me is the food aspect. Gingerbread cookies, pumpkin bread, and obviously EggNog!!! But again, UK....not big on eggnog. In fact, you can't find it anywhere. So instead of just buying a carton of it at Kroger, I was forced to make my own this year. Which turns out, is the best thing that's happened to eggnog, because homemade is actually WAY better than store bought as I have come to find out.


Now, first off, credit must be given to Epicurean Mom. I first found the recipe there, and just added a bit more cinnamon to mine and used whole milk instead of cream at the end. The best part of this though, it's super easy. Mix spices and milk, bring to a boil, mix egg yolks with sugar, pour hot spiced milk while mixing egg/sugar combo, and then take that whole mixture and bring to about 160F/73C until it thickens. Then add some more cream/milk and there you have it!


Now, Iv'e been making it non-alcoholic, that way if I decide I want it with or without I have the option. You can always just add some spice rum to it right before you drink it. Whatever works for you!


And don't forget to top it with some Nutmeg right before drinking. The aroma of it is part of the experience, and the flavor is equally as amazing!

So those of you in the UK who have never had EggNog, or those USA natives who are obsessed but can't seem to find it anywhere...here you go! Any easy and delicious eggnog recipe to enjoy through the holidays!





Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes

You know those people, who are ALWAYS doing something? Full time job, volunteering, going out with friends, and still managing to get a good work out in on a regular basis. Well, I'm not one of those, but oh how I wish I was. The point is, I got slightly busy and that's why I have not posted in FOREVER, because I got slightly busy. It's a bit pathetic

Anyways, so I don't know if I ever told you all, but I have an obsession with cupcakes. Not the way they taste (thought that's obviously essential) but more with the way they look. I just think they are so cute! So this is a cupcake post! And my first one too. Printable Recipe 


Look, I don't mean to brag...but people have told me these are "The best cupcakes I have ever had". And that coming from a person who has an obsession with cupcakes, and goes around Bristol and London and tastes every cupcake they can find. 

And I won't lie, they are pretty freekin good. A blueberry cake, with home made lemon curd filling, topped with a lemon/cream cheese frosting. I admit, they are mostly a summer cupcake, but who cares when they are so delicious. 


The batter is super easy to make, as is the icing. The lemon curd is pretty much just mixing all the ingredients together and letting it heat up until it forms a custard. So all in all, pretty simple recipe with a pretty amazing outcome.

Home you love them! Give me your thoughts. 




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