Eggnog is a popular winter beverage consisting of eggs, milk and spices. Served cold, it is commonly prepared with some form of alcohol as well (though only for adults!) Cognac, brandy, whiskey, rum or any dark liquor can be added to these chilled beverages to further spice up the flavor.

Eggnog is most often associated with Christmas and New Year's, however it holds no particular standard holiday affiliation.

These recipes are both easy and leave a lot of room for you to customize your eggnog by taste and preference. I hope you enjoy. Happy holidays!

For note: Eggnog can be prepared by cooking the mixture on the lowest possible heat setting on your stovetop. If you do prepare by cooking, only cook the eggnog for long enough that the mix coats the spoon and stir constantly while you are cooking. Use a quick read thermometer to watch the temperature and remove the mixture from heat as soon as it reaches 160 degrees. Then chill as per normal instructions.

If you prefer not to gently cook the eggnog, that's fine. Ensure that you have washed your hands before you begin preparing the eggnog either way.

Easy Eggnog

• 6 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 8 tablespoons sugar
• 3 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

Beat the eggs in a large bowl, adding milk and sugar slowly while you beat.

Continue beating until mixture thickens slightly.

Add in the vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir well.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge until chilled.

This recipe makes eight servings of eggnog. Please enjoy!

Low fat version:

• 6 cups skim milk
• 1 1/4 cup "Egg Beaters" (or similar)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• 4 teaspoons Splenda or other artificial sweetner
• 2 x pinch nutmeg, ground
• 2 x pinch cinnamon, ground

Make as above, low fat version serves 6.