On a Christmas Day in 1973, the founding member of Plevin & Gallucci, Frank Gallucci Jr., and his grandmother, Mary “Ma” Gallo decided to restore a family tradition of homemade eggnog.
The tradition has been holding strong since, when every Christmas, family members would arrive at the Gallucci household for dinner. After warm greetings to extended family and those who traveled from afar, it was time for a mug of spiced eggnog with freshly made whipped cream. Back in Sicily, there would be long-distance calls to cousins, aunts and uncles and other family members who would be enjoying the same recipe, albeit a little later in the evening.
With a touch of creamy vanilla ice cream and shaved nutmeg, this is the “secret recipe” to rule them all! Nearly 45 years later, the recipe has been handed down to close friends and the team at Plevin & Gallucci to share with their families. This year, we wanted to share this tradition with more Ohio families in honor of Frank’s dad, Frank Gallucci Jr. and “Ma.”
Cheers!
Note from Frank: This is the best eggnog recipe you’ll ever find! This was my father’s recipe; he was the actual founder of the original firm – just him, staff and injured workers. He took almost no days off, but Christmas he enjoyed. Every Christmas afternoon, you could count on him being in the kitchen, separating eggs and making this eggnog. Here is our recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 egg yolks
- 12 chilled egg whites
- 1 quart heavy whipping cream
- 2 quarts of half and half
- 2.5 cups of sugar
- 1/2 pint of brandy
- 1/2 pint of rum*
- Nutmeg
*Do not use spiced rum
Directions:
- Beat the yolks until foamy. While beating, add 2 cups of sugar and 2 quarts of half and half. Add in 1/2 pint of rum and 1/2 pint of brandy. More brandy than rum is best.
- Beat egg whites until stiff in a separate chilled, steel bowl. Then, beat whipping cream, again using a chilled mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the whipping cream and then fold this and the egg whites into the rest of the mixture.
- Add a quart to 1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream just prior to serving. Add this one spoonful at a time. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and enjoy!
Plevin & Gallucci wishes everyone across Ohio safe and happy holidays!
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
Click here to download the recipe