Sorrentolens

With the two feet of snow in the Washington D.C. area and southern Connecticut getting hit with somewhat of a blizzard today, I thought some yuletide history of one of my favorite holiday drinks – the Tom and Jerry.

The history of eggnog is debated, and likely a combination of all the stories. This milk and egg drink is typically served during the holiday season, and has become associated with Christmas tradition. However, eggnog was historically known as a winter beverage, and often served with alcohol.

The first theory on eggnog’s history places the drink in a small carved wooden mug called a “noggin,” used for serving alcohol. Drinks made with egg would then be combined with “nog,” eventually becoming “eggnog.”

Another theory speculates that eggnog was derived from posset, a Medieval European drink made with hot milk, eggs, and ale or wine. Posset was used for a cold remedy and to help people with illnesses sleep more soundly (thus the possible origin of warm milk before bed).

A colonial term for rum was “egg and grog,” which could have easily be shortened to “eggnog” over the years. Since milk and eggs were scarce to all but the aristocracy in Europe, there’s a chance that eggnog didn’t gain its full popularity until it hit the United States, where dairy farms were more plentiful and milk was accessible to a greater portion of the populace. In addition, rum was more popular in the United States due to heavy taxation on European wines, so eggnog as we know it was developed, more or less, right here in the colonies.

During the 1820’s an authour named Pierce Egan created a version of eggnog named “Tom and Jerry.” The recipe called for brandy to be added to the basic recipe of eggs, milk, spices, and rum. The result was very popular, and eggnog was well on its way to being a social drink.

The cups are unique – and festive looking.

Tom and Jerry

1 oz. Dark Rum
1 oz. Brandy
1 Egg
1 tsp. Sugar
6 oz. Hot water milk, or coffee

Seperate egg in two bowls. Add Rum & Brandy to the yolk and beat together until frothy. In th other bowl beat the egg white until it peaks then add sugar and bet until stiff. Fold into the liqour mixture. Pour into a coffee mug and top with the water, milk or coffee.  It will absolutely warm your toes.

This is one of the coolest FJs that I’ve seen around.  Parked off of Park Avenue in Winter Park on Friday.  Nice touches I thought.

Good lookin FJ

Our friends Alan and Karla hosted a lovely Christmas party Saturday evening – elegant and lots of light on a nice cool evening in Florida.

My photo friend Scott Thomas in upstate New York asked me to enter his photo challenge and submit a photo that exudes “November”.  Well, that assignment is over, but yesterday on the drive home from church I saw this scene in an estate in Apopka Florida that look to me as close to what November could look like – with the fall colors – as much as Florida can drum up – since things are a bit tropical-looking down here.  The temperatures have gone down into th 40s over the last couple of weeks – and it is SO REFRESHING!  I’m sending this to Scott anyway and hope you all like it as well.

Autumn in Central Florida

The ride yesterday was because of these two little guys.  They were baptized in Christ yesterday.  Matthew and Anderson (with their Mommies) – we love you!

Anderson and Matthew

From a 1961 Chrysler 300G that I found in a lot behind a chain link fence in Longwood, FL.

300G

Check out the folks at Maine SugarWorks for some sweetness this time of year.

source: http://mainesugarworks.com/

This gazebo is located at the Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora, FL.  Something about the weeping Spanish Moss, the huge trees and the loneliness makes this a bit of a bit dramatic.  Post process work to enhance the color.

Florida Gazebo

Found this blog today and really enjoyed it – think you will too.  From the most expensive watches, chickens, movies – to the most expensive boxer shorts – they blog ‘em.  Enjoy

Expensive Rolex

http://most-expensive.net/

On the tracks at 3rd St. in Mount Dora, FL.