Eggnog has a way of turning holiday gatherings into something that feels both a celebration and a homecoming. This Broome Family recipe from 1906 tastes like the kind of hospitality that didn't need a Pinterest board; just crystal glasses, good brandy, and the understanding that some traditions are worth keeping.
In the Broome kitchen over a century ago, this was the centerpiece of an evening, the thing that made December feel different from every other month. Each glass carried the weight of ritual - the kind that turns an ordinary night into the story your grandchildren will ask about.
The Brandy Difference
Some traditional homemade eggnog recipes use rum or bourbon, but the Broome family eggnog showcases the sophisticated elegance of quality brandy. The choice isn't accidental! Brandy brings a refined warmth and silky smoothness that elevates this eggnog. The brandy's gentle heat mingles beautifully with farm-fresh eggs and rich heavy cream, creating that perfect balance our ancestors knew so well, creating layers of flavor that whisper stories of cozy Victorian parlors where families gathered, tales were shared, and precious memories were created.
This is the difference between grabbing a store-bought eggnog and honoring the beautiful culinary heritage that connects us to generations past. You're preserving a tradition, celebrating the wisdom of those who came before us, and creating your own chapter in this delicious story of comfort and connection.
Bringing History Home
What makes this recipe worth making is how it connects you to countless families who've found comfort in the same ritual. The same careful steps, the same attention to detail, bringing people together for over a century.
The beauty is in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients; just the wisdom of home cooks who understood that the best recipes can be recreated with love in any kitchen. Whether continuing a family tradition or starting one, this 1906 recipe offers a delicious bridge between the past and the present.
Old Eggnog, Broome Family Recipe, Baltimore MD
1906 Broome Family Brandy Eggnog Recipe
There are few things as wonderfully festive as a glass of rich, homemade eggnog during the holidays. This cherished family recipe for brandy eggnog, passed down since 1906, is a delightful step back in time.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 - 6oz servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pint whole milk (about 2 cups)
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 12 eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pint of your best French brandy
- 2 tsp grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Separate egg yolks and whites
- Gently beat the egg yolks and sugar until smooth
- To the beaten egg yolks and sugar, add the milk, cream, brandy, and grated nutmeg
- Using an electric or stand mixer, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks
- Fold the egg whites into the eggnog mixture
Notes
- This eggnog will keep for several weeks if set in a cool place.
- Additional egg whites can be stirred in as eggnog is used.
- Raw, pasteurized eggs are safe to consume. No cooking required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Refrigerated
- Cuisine: English
Recipe Variations
1.
Non-Alcoholic: Replace brandy with vanilla and almond extract.
2.
Aged: Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks for deeper flavor (not recommended for the non-alcoholic version)
3.
Spiced: Add cinnamon sticks and whole cloves during chilling
4.
Types of Alcohol: Dark rum offers deep, molasses notes. Bourbon adds vanilla and caramel undertones. Cognac provides a richer complexity.
Tips For Success
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume
- Add the alcohol slowly to prevent curdling
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor
- Don't overmix when folding in the egg whites
- Taste and adjust sweetness and flavor before chilling
A Holiday Tradition in the Making
There's an honest comfort in homemade brandy eggnog, the kind that connects directly to Christmases past. Rich, velvety texture meets the warmth of perfectly balanced spices - it tastes like December feels.
This is simple, honest cooking at its best, the centerpiece of holiday gatherings for as long as anyone can remember. Share a pitcher with friends and family, or claim a quiet moment by the fire with your own glass. Either way, this classic brings the kind of joy and belonging that made it worth preserving in the first place.
Here's hoping it finds a place in your home for years to come. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
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