Eggnog as a Seasonal Icon
What makes something special during the holiday season
The popularization of a tradition can take centuries. The creation of an iconic food, location, or form of entertainment happens when masses of people recognize their value. To become a food influencer can occur over night but to be a food that influences takes time.
Growing up under the shadow of the Hollywood sign, I am very aware of iconic symbols. A sign that was created to advertise a housing development is now much bigger than its original intention. Foods that we eat during the holidays fall into the same category. They take on mythical and symbolic meanings. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes associated with the holidays that we experienced during our childhoods remain imprinted in our psyches throughout our lifetime.
Eggnog is an example of one such holiday food icon. Once bottles of eggnog land on the grocery store refrigerated section shelves, we know the holiday season has arrived.
The mixture of milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg is simple enough but its history is a bit complicated. Multiple regions and points in history stake a claim to being responsible for eggnog. Most of what I read had a strong emphasis on the fact that alcohol was added.
