Dining Our Way Through the Holidays in Colorado

Is there any drink that “says” Christmas better than eggnog? Imagine whipping up a homemade batch for an evening in front of the fireplace after spending the day Christmas shopping with girlfriends in snowy Colorado! When I was little I loved eggnog so much that my grandmother would make it any time of the year for me. Of course at that time, she was making it with raw eggs so it was an easy process. These days, with the fear of salmonella, a cooked eggnog recipe is preferable. I found this recipe that is loved by all—even my besties who hate the “regular” stuff.

Let’s Eat…in! 

Eggnog

Ingredients for 6 | Multiply by degree of thirst, divide by number of girlfriends!

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole milk

• 7 large eggs

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1/3 cup bourbon

• 1/3 cup Cognac or other brandy

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Step 1

Bring milk just to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan.

Step 2

Whisk together eggs and sugar in a large bowl, then add hot milk in a slow stream while whisking.

Step 3

Pour mixture into saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until mixture registers 170ºF, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 4

Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean large bowl and stir in cream, bourbon, brandy, and vanilla.

Step 5

Cool completely, uncovered. Then chill, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours and up to 24.

Let’s Eat…out! 

• French Alpine Bistro | Gemütlich—the German word that refers to a feeling of warmth, friendliness, good cheer, and a sense of belonging—an experience creating happy, lasting memories. Drawing from time in Switzerland (which is a blend of French, German, and Italian cultures), this is exactly the experience of creating lasting memories the owners envisioned for their restaurant. Satisfied customers from around the world agree that French Alpine Bistro—Crêperie du Village—is unquestionably the most adorable and celebrated restaurant in town, not to be missed when visiting Aspen. 

After a cold day taking in the holiday sights in downtown Aspen with the girls, the perfect dinner to warm everyone is their hearty Boeuf Bourguignon—Beef braised in red Burgundy, carrots, celery, and Herbs de Provençe.

• Boulder Cork | Spending the holidays in Boulder? Using the freshest local ingredients, prepared by a chef with more than 30 years’ experience, theirs is a casual atmosphere. Whether it’s lunch with a couple of the gals or a larger group of girlfriends, award-winning Boulder Cork will fit any dinner plans. After bingeing on rich, heavy meals and snacks for days and days during holiday celebrations, their Sake Salmon served with jasmine rice, stir-fry vegetables, and a ginger soy butter sauce is the perfect light dish I’m craving!

Don’t miss the displays of artwork on the restaurant walls showcasing the work of local artists who capture the beauty that surrounds Boulder. Owner Alan Teran is passionate about supporting new talent from the area and helping to advance their careers. You may be tempted to purchase something to remind you of this fun MyGirfriendships™ day.

Recipe source:

http://www.gourmet.com.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/recipes/2000s/2003/12/eggnog.html

Photo credit:

https://whatshouldimakefor.com/beef-bourguignon/

https://www.frenchalpinebistro.com