Dairy Free Eggnog

Eggnog, Cookies, and High Blood Pressure

Two years ago for Christmas, I was “great with child”; about 34 weeks. My husband, David, and I had been married for a little over two years, and were traveling from California to Texas to visit family for the holidays…it was our first time since we had been married so we were excited! However, because I was so far along in my pregnancy, we were a little nervous. We flew Southwest (who has no cut-off date for expecting passengers!), and got a signed note from my doctor that I was safe to fly. I emerged from the three hour flight slightly dehydrated, with non-existent ankles, and tired, but looking forward to our visit.

It was wonderful! My dear friend took some beautiful maternity photos for us, we had a baby shower, we soaked up all our time with family and friends, and got to visit my grandparents for the last time before they passed away; all such special memories. Something else we did a lot of was eat. And in Texas, bigger is better! More fried foods, more red meat, more desserts! 

If you’ve ever grown a small human, you know that by 34 weeks pregnant, your stomach is essentially pushed up into your lungs, you can’t breathe, and the heartburn is intense. All of the rich holiday foods were reeking havoc on my pregnant digestion. The only thing that helped with my heartburn was Tums and a lot of dairy… and what better dairy drink to have at Christmas time than eggnog? I must admit, I had Christmas cookies chased by a tall glass of eggnog nearly every night those final weeks of pregnancy. And then, surprise surprise, at my next check up, my blood pressure was high. After two days of stressing that I would have to be induced, my blood pressure went back to normal, I steered clear of sodium and sugar, and had a beautiful and healthy delivery about a week later!

This Christmas, I did the eggnog a little differently! I made a dairy free and refined sugar free version that is delicious, thick and creamy, yet light. Oh, and, if you indulge a little in this eggnog, it won’t raise your blood pressure 😛

Dairy Free Eggnog

Makes about 6 cups.

Ingredients:

• 7 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup of coconut sugar
• 3 cups of unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups of unsweetened, full fat coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• Optional:
  • Whipped coconut cream
    • One can of coconut cream
    • The seeds from half of a vanilla bean
    • One tsp of pure maple syrup
  • A shot of bourbon or brandy

Directions:

• After separating the eggs, whip the whites until frothy, and soft peaks form
• Whisk together the coconut sugar and the egg yolks
• In a medium pot, over medium-low heat, combine the nut milks, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt
• Whisk until the milk just starts to lightly bubble around the edges, and is producing steam
• Remove from heat
• Temper the egg yolk mixture by adding the hot milk 1/3 cup at a time, whisking after each addition, until all the milk has been added to the yolks
• Pour the eggnog back into the pot and return to the heat
• Add vanilla
• Whisk for about five minutes, until slightly thickened
• Gently stir in your whipped egg whites, and continue cooking for about 2 minutes
• Carefully pour eggnog into a blender
• Blend for about a minute to achieve a smooth consistency
• Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve
• If desired, make the whipped coconut cream:
  • Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl
  • Whisk together until fluffy
  • Store, covered, in fridge
• Serve cold with whipped cream, if desired, and a sprinkle of nutmeg
• Store, covered, in refrigerator for about 5 days

If you like festive holiday drinks, you will like my Slow Cooker Apple Cider and Death by Hot Chocolate, and for all of your holiday desserts, check out my Two Layer Paleo Fudge, No Bake Pumpkin Pie, and Molasses Cookies; they would all beautifully follow your Christmas dinner! By the way, if you don’t have a Christmas dinner menu yet, I have my Ghee, Garlic, and Herb Turkey with Gravy and ABC Brussels Sprouts for you! I hope you find a recipe you love for the holidays, and whatever you make, I wish you a merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with family around the dinner table, keep your blood pressure regular…and enjoy your pinch of crazy!

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