What Is the Difference Between a Boiled Custard and Eggnog? (Some Facts)

Boiled custard and eggnog are popular over the holidays, but they’re delicious any time of year. These delicacies warm our bodies and hearts, particularly when shared with family and friends. 

Some people aren’t sure whether they’re eating eggnog or custard. In many ways, these two appear to be identical. Custard and eggnog can be served warm or cooled.

They all start with the same ingredients: egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and cream or milk. As a result, some people mistake one for the other or believe they’re the same. However, they are not identical.

So, what makes eggnog different from custard? The taste is the key distinction between eggnog and custard. Each of both has a distinctive flavor.

The flavor of eggnog is warm and thick, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Custard, on the other hand, is light and creamy, with a strong vanilla flavor.

In this article, you’ll learn what is the difference between boiled custard and eggnog.

What Is Boiled Custard?

First, let’s learn about what a holiday boiled custard is. It’s a type of plain ol’ custard with a tang of heat, as the name implies.

Boiled custard shares many of the same ingredients as your vanilla eggnog beverage. It’s created with milk, eggs, cream, sugar, spices, and everything else nice. But there’s one thing it doesn’t have the heart.

Boiled custard is regarded as one of the most delectable southern beverages, and it is frequently consumed on the eve of Christmas. I’m not sure why, but it tastes more like food than booze because of its thick consistency. You can drink or eat it however you choose, with or without alcohol.

There are other additional names for it. It’s also known as sipping custard, holiday custard, crème anglaise, and other names.

What Is Eggnog?

Now, that you know about boiled custard. It’s time to know what eggnog actually is. Eggnog is an alcoholic beverage made from a combination of milk punch and egg milk punch.

It has a very deep flavor that has been sweetened with sugar. It’s a dairy-based beverage that’s best served chilled. It’s not just any beverage; it’s one of the most traditional favorites, made with milk, sugar, thoroughly whipped egg whites, plenty of foamy cream, and, of course, egg yolks.

The frothy nature of the beverage is due to all of these ingredients. But, just for kicks, eggnog can also include distilled alcoholic spirits like rum, whisky, brandy, or bourbon.

Some people like to eat eggnog hot, mostly on chilled winter evenings. Although, its flavor isn’t even affected by this. You can enjoy it with your favorite flavors, such as a pinch of coffee or tea, or mix it in with other desserts. Try to make your own egg-custard puddings by yourself at home.

How to Keep Eggnog Fresh for Longer?

Did you know that if you properly store eggnog, it can last for up to a week after the “best by” date? Follow these easy guidelines to extend the shelf life of your eggnog: 

• Keep it out of the light, and put it at the back of your refrigerator on the bottom shelf.
• Eggnog should not be stored on the door storage shelves since it will be exposed to more light and greater temperatures.
• Keep eggnog in its original container when not in use, with the lid securely attached. 

Boiled Custard vs. Eggnog

When you order boiled custard and instead get eggnog, you create a fight. This happens frequently because most people are unaware of the distinction between boiled custard and eggnog.

Although eggnog tastes similar to boiling custard and has the same ingredients, it’s not the same. So, to clear things up, we’ll explain the fundamental differences between the two.

The true distinction is in the heating component. The cooked custard is heated to give it its thick consistency and creamy flavor, but the eggnog is never exposed to direct flames during preparation. It wasn’t even kept warm.

Their distinct flavors and textures are due to the heat. This is why eggnog seems to be highly fluid in nature but creamy due to the milk, despite the fact that the eggnog’s components are never heated.

On the other hand, you can’t make boiling custard without a substantial amount of heat or fire. The boiling custard thickens and develops rich flavors as the heat and temperature rise.

Does Boil Custard and Eggnog Taste the Same?

Although the components in these two-holiday cocktails are similar, their flavors are vastly different. 

Contrary to eggnog, the boiled custard is a Southern holiday drink and tradition with a light flavor. It tastes more like a reduced form of vanilla milkshake, but with a whipped and thicker texture. 

Vanilla is the most common flavoring for cooked custard, with a few outliers when a pinch of cinnamon is added. It can be regarded as a sweet drink that is preferably pleasant in taste.

Eggnog is sweeter than cooked custard, and some say it tastes like melted-liquid ice cream. When alcohol is added to eggnog, the flavor changes, becoming more exotic with a rich and peppery tang.

For flavor, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, and vanilla are commonly added in varying amounts to eggnog. The flavor of the alcohol will also vary things significantly, with rum being the most popular. It’s only a smidgeon.

How to Prepare Boiled Custard and Eggnog?

In terms of preparation, eggnog and boiling custard are significantly different from one another. To begin with, one is heated and thickened, while the other is whipped cold and has a consistency similar to heavy cream.

A double boiler is usually utilized to prepare the boiled custard. Sugar, salt, eggs, heated milk, vanilla, and flour or cornstarch are among the ingredients.

The thickness of boiled custard is achieved by adding cold water and additional flour (or cornstarch) to the original recipe. It’s almost as thick as pudding and is normally served warm. 

Raw egg yolks, milk, sugar, heavy cream, and spice are among the ingredients in eggnog (nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla).

Many recipes, of course, call for whisking the egg yolks with boiling milk, which also warms them. The raw egg approach is not for everyone.

Finally, an alcoholic beverage such as brandy, rum, cognac, or whiskey can be added. Since alcohol is not required in large amounts, you can use it according to your own choice.

Because eggnog is typically served chilled, make careful to chill it completely before serving.

Here’s a table comparing the nutrition facts of boiled custard and eggnog:

Conclusion

• Eggs, vanilla, sugar, and cream or milk are all ingredients in eggnog and custard. 
• Traditional eggnog contains ale or alcohol, although traditional custard doesn’t. 
• Both the eggnog and the boiled custard can be served warm or cooled. 
• Unlike traditional eggnog, sipping custard is always hot or double-boiled. 
• Custard is thick, but eggnog is thin and creamy.

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