Eggnog vs Boiled Custard: A Sweet and Creamy Comparison
When it comes to holiday drinks, two popular choices are Eggnog and Boiled Custard. Both are rich, creamy, and delicious, but what exactly are they, and how do they differ?
Eggnog is a classic holiday drink made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and often flavored with brandy, rum, or bourbon. Boiled Custard, on the other hand, is a cooked custard made with milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks, and usually flavored with vanilla or nutmeg.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences and similarities between these two decadent drinks.
Preparation
The preparation of Eggnog and Boiled Custard is slightly different. Eggnog is a no-cook drink; you simply mix all the ingredients together and chill it before serving. Boiled Custard, however, is a cooked custard that is made on the stovetop, with the milk and cream heated gently before adding the egg yolks and sugar.
Ingredients
The ingredients of Eggnog and Boiled Custard are quite similar, with the primary difference being the use of egg whites in Eggnog and egg yolks in Boiled Custard. Eggnog is also often flavored with alcohol, whereas Boiled Custard is usually flavored with vanilla or nutmeg.
Nutrition
It’s fair to say that Eggnog and Boiled Custard are not exactly health drinks. Both are high in calories, fat, and sugar. A 1 cup serving of Eggnog contains around 340 calories, 19g of fat, and 34g of sugar, whereas the same serving size of Boiled Custard contains around 539 calories, 25g of fat, and 51g of sugar. It’s worth noting that these are rough estimates, as the exact nutritional content will depend on the recipe used.
Taste
When it comes to taste, Eggnog and Boiled Custard are both rich, creamy, and indulgent, with a similar custard-like texture. Eggnog has a distinct flavor of the alcohol used, whereas Boiled Custard has a more subtle, vanilla or nutmeg flavor.
Uses
Both Eggnog and Boiled Custard can be enjoyed on their own as a dessert drink, but they are also used in different ways. Eggnog is commonly used in baked goods such as cakes and cookies, as well as in coffee drinks and cocktails. Boiled Custard, on the other hand, is often used as a topping for pies, cakes, and other desserts.
Variations
While Eggnog and Boiled Custard are delicious on their own, there are many variations that can be made to suit different tastes. Eggnog can be flavored with different alcohols, such as whiskey, brandy, or rum, and can also be made into a non-alcoholic version by omitting the alcohol. Boiled Custard can be flavored with different extracts, such as almond or coconut, and can also be made into a chocolate or caramel version.
In conclusion, Eggnog and Boiled Custard are both decadent and delicious holiday drinks, with a few key differences. Eggnog is a no-cook drink that is flavored with alcohol and uses egg whites, whereas Boiled Custard is a cooked custard flavored with vanilla or nutmeg and uses egg yolks. Despite their differences, both drinks are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!