It was a week before Thanksgiving when the first carton of Hatcher Family Dairy eggnog came home. That violates the "no Christmas before Thanksgiving" rule, and the only reason I grabbed it was that it was the last jug of it on the shelf at Whole Foods, so obviously, the rule is being flagrantly broken.
With a creamy body that's thinner and more beverage-like than Purity eggnog, plus loads of nutmeg, it's flying off the shelf for good reason. I like that the nutmeg sinks to the bottom -- shake it for more flavor, or leave it for a milder flavor.
Like all eggnog, it benefits greatly from a little whiskey or brandy to make the season bright. It's hard to tell whether the glow is coming from the eggnog, the occasion or the whiskey.
Hatcher Family Dairy says they'll be making and selling eggnog through Christmas. In addition to Whole Foods, it's available at a number of independent markets in the area. (Check the website for retailers.) You can also visit the Hatcher dairy store in College Grove, Tenn. Farm tours have ended for the winter but will restart in March.
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Now, if Hatcher Family Dairy would only make some Boiled Custard, I won't have to beg my grandma for it every year. When she made it for Thanksgiving, she made sure to let us know she had to stir the pot for 37 non-stop minutes.
I'm fairly certain this plus some Corsair Artisan spiced rum would make for a great local holiday drink. Hopefully I can pick up some of both this weekend and try it!
Or how about that Corsair pumpkin spice moonshine?
Okay, galyn, here's my dilemma: boiled custard, is it a beverage or a food?