Eggnog
Serves 6-8
1 vanilla pod, seeds only
4 eggs, separated
100ml sugar syrup
100ml double cream
500ml whole milk
100-150ml brandy
Put the vanilla seeds in a large bowl. Add the egg yolks and sugar syrup, and beat with an electric whisk until pale for 2-3 minutes. Add the cream, milk and brandy, and beat again until just combined. Strain into a large bowl. Clean the beaters, then beat the egg whites in a clean bowl to soft peaks. Fold a third of the whipped egg whites into the milk and cream mixture, then add the remaining whipped egg whites. Gently fold these in until the eggnog is fluffy and smooth.
Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, add plenty of ice, then stir gently and ladle into tumblers. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.