Is eggnog safe to drink?
A. A holiday classic, Christmas just wouldn’t quite be the same without eggnog. Concerns about salmonella may make you reluctant to partake of this ubiquitous drink. But there is a way to make it safe. To do this you’ll need an instant-read thermometer and a steady eye. First, beat the eggs in a saucepan with the sugar and milk or cream called for in your recipe. Stir the mixture constantly over low heat until it is thick and the temperature is 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). Immediately place the pan in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Then proceed with the rest of the recipe. The added benefit of this technique is that it will make your eggnog, even the low-fat versions, even more thick and creamy. Q. Some beverage recipes call for a lemon zest garnish. What is lemon zest? A. Zest is the perfumy outermost skin layer of citrus fruit (usually oranges or lemons), which is removed with the aid of a citrus zester, paring knife or vegetable peeler. Only the colored portion of the sk
