5ouncesshortbread cookies(143g) see NOTES for cookie recomendations
1cupsliced almonds(90g)
4tablespoonsunsalted butter,melted
For the eggnog filling:
2large egg yolks
⅔cupgranulated sugar(138g or 5 ounces)
½teaspoonsalt
¼cupcornstarch(33g)
1tablespoonall-purpose flour(10g)
¼teaspoonground nutmeg
2 ¾cupsBEST quality eggnog(688g)
1tablespoonunsalted butter
1teaspoonvanilla extract
¼cupdark rum or bourbon(not spiced rum) (50g)
For the topping:
1cupheavy whipping cream
3tablespoonspowdered sugar
½teaspoonvanilla
fresh grated nutmeg
Instructions
To prepare the crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the cookies and until crumbly. Add the almonds and pulse 4-5 times in quick bursts. Add the melted butter and pulse just until combined.
Firmly press the crumb mixture into bottom and up the sides of 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 to 30 minutes. Bake until lightly browned and set, about 10 minutes. Cool while preparing the filling.
To prepare the filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until blended. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan combine the sugar, salt, cornstarch, flour and nutmeg. Whisk in the eggnog.
Cook the eggnog mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and starts to boil. (This takes about 10-15 minutes) Remove from the heat (leave the stove-top turned on).
While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle about half the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Add the blended egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot custard. Return to the heat and cook 3-4 minutes more or until very thick and just starting to boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Reduce the heat if needed.
Remove from the heat and blend in the butter, vanilla and rum. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Cool to room temperature then refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
To prepare the topping:
In a large, cold mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat on high until firm peaks form. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream on top of the pie filling. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg.
Notes
For this shortbread crust I used (143 grams) 16 Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies. This crust also works well with (20) Lorna Doone Cookies.
To help achieve lofty, fluffy whipped cream, chill your bowl and beaters in the freezer before mixing.
Use thick, rich premium quality eggnog for this recipe. If using a low-fat or watery eggnog, increase egg yolks to three.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.