Hello everyone! This is Lilly Crane, your Wyoming County’s dairy princess.
As the winter season approaches, everyone usually becomes more relaxed about many things, except one in particular is their diet. Your diet contributes to many everyday tasks, even sleeping!
Of course, there isn’t much to do in what some have dubbed “the most beautiful time of the year”, but there are plenty of ways to have fun in the snow and enjoy seasonal foods and drinks made with dairy products!
One of the hardest things to keep up with during these cold, tough months is your daily routine. For those who have kids at home for the winter break, it can be even more difficult.
One activity I enjoy doing is going outside with my siblings and playing in the snow. Going out and sledding, snowball fights or building snowmen are some of my best memories!
One way to have a delicious treat this winter while maintaining a healthy diet is with hot chocolate. Hot chocolate may seem like a dessert like ice cream, but it can have nutritious benefits with a simple change. One thing my mom always did for us was to use warm milk in the hot chocolate mixture instead of water. Hot milk chocolate makes a great helping of dairy products and essential minerals in our diet and continues to support our hard working local dairy farmers who are making it through these times.
The recommended number of servings of milk to consume each day is three. This may seem like a lot, but when you consume things that you enjoy, it’s that simple! Milk contains 13 essential nutrients like high quality protein, calcium, vitamin D and more. These nutrients help our bodies function properly while also ensuring a good night’s sleep, which is important for everyone, including highly active children.
The holiday season gives you many opportunities to keep dairy products in your diet.
One of my favorite drinks on vacation is eggnog.
Eggnog contains a serving of dairy products and offers you a delicious treat at the same time. Nothing sounds better than sipping a nice cup of eggnog while you keep warm in your house and watch the snow fall.
Another idea to keep your body healthy after shoveling the dreaded snow here in west New York or even trying to keep up with the outside maintenance is to reward yourself with a nice cold glass of chocolate milk ; the number one tank drink. Many don’t know this, but chocolate milk replenishes electrolytes and builds muscles faster than any other drink. It contributes to your health in many ways, including the serving of dairy products I keep talking about.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Always remember to support the hard working dairy industry by helping your body and consuming the way they care for us.
I’ve added a nice and easy recipe that anyone can make and enjoy with their family. Happy Holidays and remember to make the most of the snow and have fun!
1 cup heavy whipped cream
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Beat egg yolks and sugar until frothy. Put aside.
Mix the milk, cream, nutmeg and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it comes to a low simmer.
Temper the egg mixture by adding a large spoon of the hot milk to the egg mixture (first) and whisking it quickly so that it is incorporated well. Repeat this a few times until the egg mixture is hot.
Put both mixtures together in the pot.
Stir constantly for a few minutes (approx. 5 minutes) until the mixture is only slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Pour the eggnog into a pitcher or other container and cover with plastic wrap.
Chill until cool. It will get thicker as it cools down.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with fresh whipped cream if desired.
Keep homemade eggnog in the refrigerator for up to a week!
The Dairy Court has many great ways to celebrate the season and support the dairy industry at the same time.
Wyoming County Dairy Princess Alternate Kendra Brace shares a pumpkin pie recipe – it’s a taste everyone loves – and to make it better, you can use cream in your cake.
15 ounces of pumpkin puree
1 1/4 cups of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup milk (any percentage)
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Whisk the pumpkin, eggs, and brown sugar until mixed. Then add cornstarch, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cream and milk. Stir in the remaining ingredients until everything is mixed.
Stir everything and add to your pie crust.
When you’re ready to bake it, put it in the oven for about 55 to 60 minutes. Let cool for three hours on a wire rack.
When you’re done, use the toppings you want, pour a large glass of milk, and enjoy!
Celebrate this season with dairy products and support this great industry.
Nothing sounds better than sipping a nice cup of eggnog while you keep warm in your house and watch the snow fall.
