Auntie M's Chocolate Bailey's Eggnog Cake

A mouthful, in every meaning of the term!

Eggnog Cake (for those who aren't partial to eggnog - myself included - this is nothing like it!)

I used the following recipe to make the cake part, so nothing original there.  It was smooth and creamy (the batter, at least) and the aroma, as it seeped into the kitchen, was intoxicating!

The only difference is that I added 1/4 cup rum and only 1 cup eggnog so the liquid conent was similar to the recipe.

Chocolate Bailey's Buttercream Icing:

To compose an icing from one's head can be daunting.  I used:

• 1 pkg light cream cheese
• 1/2 cup Chocolate Bailey's liqueur
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup honey (softened if you're not using liquid honey)

Blend cream cheese and honey together until smooth. 
Add butter and blend until nice and creamy. 
Add Bailey's and mix well.

This will make a significant amount of icing.  For the Eggnog Cake you will only need about 1/2 - 2/3 of the recipe.  Great for a layerd chocolate cake too.  The liqueur gives a nice snap!
Add more honey to sweeten if you like.


In my adventures I also found a recipe for EGGNOG!  So if you are interested in making the above cake as a non-festive treat, you can use the following recipe to make eggnog yourself and enjoy this delicate dessert all year 'round.

Eggnog:

Combine in a saucepan:

• 4 cups milk
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Heat on lowest setting for approx 5 minutes, slowly bringing the mixture to a light boil.  Be careful not to let it boil over or come to a rolling boil.

In a large bowl, whisk together until fluffy,

• 12 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups sugar

Whisk in the hot milk slowly in with the eggs until combined.  Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium head, stirring constantly, until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. 

Strain to remove cloves and let cool for about an hour.

When cooled, stir in

• 4 cups cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups rum (optional)

Chill before serving.  Enjoy with whipped cream and cinnamon powder!