Egg nog with cherries

Enjoy this classic homemade Christmas tipple laced with brandy to keep out the winter cold.

By Patrick Williams

Shopping list

Preparation time

less than 30 mins

Cooking time

less than 10 mins

Serves

Serves 4-6

Dietary

 

Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1140ml/2 pints whole milk
• 6 free-range eggs
• 50g/2oz caster sugar
• 1 vanilla pod, split
• 20 fresh cherries, stones removed and halved
• 200ml/7fl oz brandy
• cocoa powder, for dusting

Method

1. Place the milk, eggs, sugar and vanilla pod in a medium pan and heat gently, without boiling, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. The egg nog can be chilled at this stage or served hot.
3. To serve, scatter the cherries in the bottom of each serving glass. Divide the brandy between the glasses and pour the egg nog over. Dust with cocoa powder and serve.