Mother-In-Law’s Boiled Custard

Mother-In-Law’s Boiled Custard 

What’s the difference between egg nog and boiled custard??  I’ve often thought of egg nog as a northern drink, and of boiled custard being the southern choice.  I’ve been told that egg nog is the “spirited” drink.  After researching this topic I’ve found that both these holiday drinks are frequently spiked. 

Here’s what Yahoo Answers has to say about the difference between egg nog and boiled custard- for what it’s worth:

Traditionally egg nog is raw and not cooked at all! Custard also has a thicker consistency and the eggs have been tempered and slightly cooked. Traditional egg nog is very fluffy due to the beaten egg whites and the folding of cream. So to sum it up-the differences are texture and one is not cooked and the other is. Plus one will get you drunk faster. 

I’d also like to set the record straight – my mother-in-law never spiked her boiled custard! Also, I don’t really care for boiled custard at all.  I have bad memories of bad custard days of my youth – custard too thick to choke down, full of lumps and bumps.  However, if I’d been started young on my mother-in-law’s custard – I think I could have been won over to this southern tradition.  Hers is the best I’ve ever tasted – not too sweet, not too thick, and never, ever lumpy.  Finally the taste of orange tickles the tongue, complimenting the sweetness.  Are you ready to make some real stuff?? 

You will need: 

• 1 quart of whole milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• Salt
• Rind of one orange
• Double boiler
• Whipped cream
• Nutmeg or Cinnamon 

In large bowl combine milk and sugar, whisking to blend.

In small bowl, beat 3 eggs until fluffy.  Strain beaten eggs in a mesh strainer, set aside. 

Heat water in bottom pan to a double boiler until it begins to boil.  Then put the milk and sugar mixture into the top pan of the double boiler.  Stir frequently until milk mixture is pretty warm – but not boiling.  Then add the strained eggs to the heated milk and sugar.  Add the rind of one orange.  Continue stirring until mixture begins to thicken slightly.  When mixture coats a silver spoon – remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.  Add a dash of salt to the boiled custard.  Taste the custard.  Remove the orange rind. When boiled custard has cooled, place in refrigerator.  Serve chilled in pretty glass.  Garnish with whipped cream, and nutmeg or cinnamon.

Read Full Post »

Christmas Country Breakfast Pie and Hashbrown Casserole

Christmas Country Breakfast Pie 

1 deep dish pie crust – unbaked 

Place the following in unbaked pie crust

• 1 pound pork sausage – crumbled, browned, and drained
• ¼ cup chopped green pepper
• ¼ cup chopped red pepper
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup light cream 

Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and set.

 

Hashbrown Casserole

Place in a 9×13 greased baking dish:

• 1 bag Ore Ida frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 

In large bowl mix:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• ½ stick melted butter
• 2 Tablespoons minced dried onion flakes
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 

Pour liquid/cheese mixture over hash browns.  Stir slightly.  Place in preheated 400 degree oven.  Bake about 45 minutes, or until top of casserole is golden brown. 

This make a lot and can be easily divided and placed into 2 9×9 dishes.  One can be frozen and thawed later for cooking.

Read Full Post »