On the Rocks: Eggnog.

No worries, you didn’t wake up to an On the Rocks Wednesday. It is, in fact, Friday and for most of us the last day of work before the Big Day. This special time of year always seems to call for a little extra something. And by something I of course mean alcohol. Maybe it’s the mental stress of this glorious season, or the madness of the malls, or even your blessedly loved family. Whatever the case, a drink (or ten) noticeably helps lubricate your social skills and up your tolerance level of just about everything. On that note, I give you the be all and end all of holiday beverages: eggnog. Now grab your Bullwinkle glass and get started!

Ingredients:
– 8 large eggs
– 4 egg yolks
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 5 cups whole milk
– 1 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1 cup 80 proof Kentucky straight bourbon
– 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 tbsp freshly grated nutmeg
– 2 cups whipping cream
– 2 tbsp superfine sugar

In a mixing bowl, whisk egg,s yolks and granulated sugar until smooth. Pour into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in milk, gradually, blending well with each addition. Heat slowly over very low heat, stirring steadily, until the mixture reaches 160 – 170F on an instant read thermometer. The custard should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you draw your finger across the back of the spoon, the line will remain distinct and the custard sauce is done.

Pour the custard through a fine-meshed sieve into large bowl. Stir in vanilla, rum, bourbon and nutmeg. Let mixture cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least three hours and or up to one day.

Just before serving, whip cream to very soft peaks, beating in, superfine sugar as you go. Gently fold into custard mixture until incorporated. Serve from a chilled punch bowl or ladle into individual martini glasses, garnishing with grated nutmeg if desired.

:: cocktail and image via Cocktail Times

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Samples, Seconds & Surprises.

Samples, Seconds & Surprises is an amazing Etsy shop I stumbled across recently and absolutely adore. “Samples” are pieces with new glazes, “Seconds” are slightly imperfect pieces and “Surprises” are just that. I especially love the Gourmet Collection which reintroduces the disposable tin food container in fine porcelain. The color choices are spot on – these fun pieces just wouldn’t look right in anything other than vibrant, bright hues.

:: via Brooklyn Bride




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Mocha Dunk Mug.

The mocha dunk mug is a must for any cookie lover (RE: me). All mugs should have a cookie compartment, but this one actually does. I’m also digging the asymmetrical shape of the mug itself.

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Nutmeg Doughnut Muffins.

Here’s a secret: combine the words doughnut and muffin in the sentence and I won’t be able to turn away. Both of these sweet, sweet treats are two of my favorite things that I (almost) never eat because of how bad they are supposed to be for you. These nutmeg donut muffins look incredible and are begging to be made for some sort of holiday breakfast or gift. I apologize profusely if they happen to show up with a bit of drool attached.

:: via Cakespy

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Infused Vodkas.


I have a hard time dealing with Rachael Ray’s constant perkiness and exclamations of “Yummo!”. But when it comes down to it I have to admit that the woman can cook like nobody’s business.

On her site you can check out how to make your very own infused vodkas to give as gifts or stash in the cupboard for yourself. Choose from recipes for coffee, apple vanilla, five-chile and orange ginger vodkas and the recipe gift card templates to print out and attach. If I didn’t have to travel to Pennsylvania for the holidays these babies would definitely be brewing my kitchen and making their rounds. Enjoy.

:: via Hostess With the Mostess

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Modern Dinnerware.

I totally posted my Christmas list too early. This modern white dinnerware from CB2 would have been in the top three easy. I’ve been on the hunt for something just like this, but haven’t fallen in love with any particular set as of yesterday. And then this modern white dinnerware came into my life. It’s simple. It’s utilitarian. And the salad plate doubles as a lid for the bowl! What more could you ask for besides the amazing lipped dishes? Perhaps some beautiful matching mugs and serving dishes. So yeah, this may have to be my after Christmas purchase for myself. (Oh come on, everyone does it!)

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Boby Trolley.

I want two Boby Trolleys oh so very badly. One for my office at work and one to store all sort of crafty-designy things in at home. They’re just so darn modular and cute, not to mention that they can store a ton.

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Dan Golden.

Dan Golden designs and creates these amazing – sometimes snarky – area rugs that will definitely give any room a personality all its own. I feel like he’s really taking his work to the next level by using his art in such a way that it can be put to use in everyday environments.

Besides having some serious talent, Golden adopts a sheep from Oxfam for every single rug purchased. Now that’s what I call some serious giving back.


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Gentlemen’s Jotters.

I’m in love with the design of these Gentlemen’s Jotters from Russell + Hazel. The front left side has numbers and months so you can circle the date. Form, I’d like to introduce you to Function. I think you’ll get along really well together.

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How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul.

How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy has been on my book wish list for awhile now.

Designers are quick to tell us about their sources of inspiration, but they are much less willing to reveal such critical matters as how to find work, how much they charge, and what to do when a client rejects three weeks of work and refuses to pay the bill. How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul addresses the concerns of young designers who want to earn a living by doing expressive and meaningful work, and who want to avoid becoming hired drones working on soulless projects.

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