Recipe for the Holidays: Jake’s Eggnog by the Fire (story; recipe)

Despina Panagakos Yeargin, Contributor

For me, the best part of any cold and windy holiday evening has often been the mixing and the drinking of the eggnog.

My eggnog is a special recipe, of course; one that I first tasted about twenty years ago. I was in my mid-twenties, living at home and, on this particular Christmas, visiting the home of friends with my aunt and my sister. I remember the big well-lit sign on the roof over the front door, proudly displaying the words "Merry Christmas". Having grown up two countries away, in Greece and in Australia, this much festivity was new to me; the Christmas cheer in a cup was too, but, though my first over-the-top Christmas decoration was a little difficult to swallow, my first taste of eggnog was especially delicious! I asked the host what he did that made it so good.

Jake Holbrooks, a happy and proud man gave me his recipe, telling me that it was simple, really. With a puffed up chest and a big grin, he said, “Why, all you do is get eggnog that's already made up, add decent bourbon to it, mix it up well and add more nutmeg.” I swear, Jake winked at the end of that proclamation and continued, “Then you stir in lots and lots of whipped cream and that’s all there is to that!” Loud and encouraging laughter from Jake ensued, which made me laugh also as I offered my cup for yet another round.

That Christmas, and all the years since then, I've made Jake Holbrooks' special recipe eggnog. It's a symbol and a flavor of the holiday season for me. I think about it in the grocery store, as I pick out the bottle of eggnog; I think of Jake as I head home; I remember when I first tasted this creamy cocktail, infused with the perfect holiday spiciness of fresh nutmeg, and I toast Jake just before taking my first sip, sitting by a warming fire. So much comfort in a simple drink! It's not at all difficult to forget how easy life can be, when we are too busy to stop and enjoy the beautiful simplicity.

With the unexpected, the dangerous, the critical and the unfamiliar looming around every corner on this particular holiday season, I hope that you will join me in taking it easy and really enjoying the rest of the year, and that you will move forward into the New Year with a little less complexity and just a little more quiet in your life. Good wishes and good health to all.

Jake's Eggnog

Whip a small container of heavy whipping cream until it just begins to thicken. Pour in one teaspoon of vanilla and ¼ cup of white sugar. Continue to whip until cream has stiffened.

Fill a tall glass two thirds full with your favourite store-bought eggnog.

Stir in a jigger of bourbon and a dash or two of fresh nutmeg.

Top it off with two generous dollops of the whipped cream and stir.

I like to step into my favourite fuzzy slippers, sit by the fire and think of Jake, who has long since passed away. Why don’t you do the same, and stop a moment to toast a good friend that you are missing too or one who may not be able to make it home for the holidays. Relax and sip away.

Thanks, Jake!

-- Despina Panagakos Yeargin is a writer and owner of Alpha Publishing & Communications, a writing and marketing consulting business, which also provides on-line book downloads. Despina has a broad background which includes being the Director of The Museum in Greenwood (S.C.) and a VP of marketing for Health Related Products; additionally, she has served on many community and arts related organizations, including the SC Arts Alliance.

An archive of Despina's articles is located here.
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