Twists to a traditional, favorite holiday beverage

Eggnog is like Christmas in a cup. It combines all the best elements of the season — it's indulgent, comforting and only in stores for a limited time. It can also be prepared in different ways, including these twists that we've offered here.

Healthy Eggnog Shake

By: Ryah Cooley

Ingredients:

6 Eggs, Separated

½ Cup Sugar

3 Cups Skim Milk

3 Teaspoons Vanilla

1-Tablespoon Brandy

½ Teaspoon Nutmeg

Cinnamon, for garnish

1) Separate egg whites from yolks and place in separate bowls. Beat the eggs with a metal whisk. Beat the egg whites until frothy. Set aside.

2) Combine milk, vanilla and brandy in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Barely bring the mixture to a boil. Then, set heat to low and stir for about three minutes. Then, turn the stove off.

3) While the milk mixture boils, place egg whites and yolks in another pot on the stove. Pour in sugar. Put the heat on low and beat the mixture constantly with a whisk for five minutes. Then, turn the stove off.

4) Pour the egg mixture into the pot with the milk mixture and whisk to combine. Stir in the nutmeg. Let the mixture stand and cool for a few minutes.

5) Pour the eggnog into a container with a lid. Make sure the lid is on securely so that no air gets in.

6) Put the container in the freezer for about five to eight hours or until frozen.

7) When the mixture is frozen, take it out of the freezer. Spoon the mixture into a blender and add a few splashes of milk into the blender. Pulse the mixture in the blender until the eggnog has a shake-like consistency.

8) Garnish with cinnamon, serve and enjoy.

Reindeer Balls

By Caitlin O'Connor

For those who are planning on throwing the perfect Christmas party or the last hoo-rah as winter break begins, consider serving reindeer balls.

They're shots, served chilled, with a decorative topping. The result is a sweet, nutty taste, like roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

Ingredients: (makes 85 servings)

2 quarts eggnog

1 quart butterscotch schnapps

1 quart amaretto liqueur

Directions:

1. In a one-gallon jug, pour one quart of butterscotch schnapps and one quart of amaretto liqueur. Mix with two quarts of eggnog.

2. Refrigerate the mixture for one hour. Shake before serving.

3. Strain the liquid into several shot glasses. The consistency should be something similar to pancake batter.

4. Top off the shot glasses with red and green crystallized sprinkles for hair.

5. Enjoy with friends in the holiday spirit.

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