Today, we'll have eggnog!

I know I'm supposed to be participating in a cookie exchange but I received my newsletter from woodhouse Chocolate today. YES.. I do get a chocolate newsletter! I have been telling you that I LOVE chocolate and now you know I was telling the truth. You have to admit they look fabulous! I hope they don't mind me using their pic! Afterall.. if it brings them business.. it's all good!

So in this fabulous newsletter they have a recipe for

LIGHTLY SPIKED CHOCOLATE EGGNOG

What could bring on the holiday spirit more than Eggnog? Why, Chocolate Eggnog, of course. With just a touch of bourbon, a nuance of chocolate and a whole lot of nutmeg, this is a cupful of Holiday Cheer!

» 6 eggs
» 1/4 cup sugar
» Pinch of salt
» 3 cups milk
» 6 ozs. Dark chocolate, chopped
» 2/3 cup cold heavy cream
» 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
» 1 Tablespoon freshly ground nutmeg
» 1/2 cup Bourbon

Put the chocolate in a small mixing bowl, set aside. Also have at the ready the heavy cream in a measuring cup or pitcher. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the eggs sugar and salt. Whisk in the milk then pour into a saucepan. Heat the egg mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. (Be careful to heat gently and take it off the heat right away, or you will curdle the eggs.)

Egg Nog - Pour about ½ cup of the hot egg/milk mixture over the chocolate and the rest back into the bowl you whisked it in. Immediately, stir the cold cream into the egg/milk mixture. With a small whisk, start in the center of the chocolate mixture, whisking in small circular motions to emulsify the chocolate. When you have a smooth, homogenous mixture, gradually add the rest of the egg/milk mixture. Whisk in the vanilla, nutmeg and bourbon. Chill for several hours, preferably overnight to mellow the flavors. Serve cold, with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of grated nutmeg, if you wish.