Egg-Nog - Classic Cooked

In a large saucepan, beat together the eggs, sugar, and salt, if desired.

Stir in a portion of the milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat a metal spoon and reaches one hundred and sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the remaining milk and vanilla extract.

Cover the mixture and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, for several hours or overnight.

Just before serving, pour the eggnog into a bowl or pitcher.

Garnish or add stir-ins if desired. Consider options like chocolate curls, cinnamon sticks, various extracts, flavored brandy or liqueur, fruit juice, ground nutmeg, maraschino cherries, orange slices, peppermint sticks, plain brandy, rum, whiskey, sherbet, ice cream, or whipped cream.

Serve immediately.