Eggnog is one drink I’ve never fully understood. Whole eggs and heavy cream whipped together so thick that you can barely slurp it down, and the few tablespoons that you do manage to imbibe has enough cholesterol to put you on your doctor’s naughty list? That sounds absolutely delicious, right? I sure hope I’m not the only one who doesn’t think so. It should come as no surprise that I’ve still never had “real” eggnog, and have absolutely no temptation to change that, but what’s shocking is that I’ve actually made peace with this beverage. Veganized and thinned down quite a bit, I’ve actually found it incredibly addictive, in fact!
As soon as I saw those first cartons of Holly Nog go on sale in my local grocery store, I snatched up two containers- and this was back in October, mind you. There are tons of awesome recipes out there for vegan eggnog of course, and I’ve even written one which is currently published in Go Dairy Free, but for instant gratification, this stuff hits the spot like nothing else. I’m already planning to stockpile a dozen cartons the moment I see it go on sale.
But for now, as I sit on a surplus of vegan nog, I can’t help but find endless pastry applications for it. Just a cup here and a cup there boosts flavors and gives plain cakes a special holiday twist. Of course, that’s not enough to satisfy the newly discovered nog lover in me. Bringing it to the front of the flavor profile, it made its way into a simple yet incredibly impressive panna cotta that turned out so good, I have to worry that I won’t have enough nog to last me through January.
Naturally, a spoonful of leftover caramel syrup found its way onto the plate, but I imagine that a “buttered” rum sauce would be wonderful as well (just substitute margarine and soymilk in this one.) If you haven’t yet decided on what to serve friends and family to finish off a big holiday dessert, look no further. It’s light enough that everyone will be able to find just a little bit more room for dessert, and it’s much more unique than the standard platter of cookies.
Nog Panna Cotta
1 1/2 Cups Vegan “Eggnog”
1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, Packed
2 Teaspoons Agar Agar Powder OR 2 Tablespoons Agar Agar Flakes
1 6-Ounce Container Unsweetened Soy Yogurt
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Lightly grease four 4-ounce ramekins and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the nog, sugar, and agar. Bring the mixture up to a simmer and do not let it boil. Continue to simmer for 5 – 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the agar has mostly dissolved. If you’re using powdered agar, it will dissolve much faster than the flakes, so keep an eye on the pot and don’t walk away!
Strain mixture using fine-mesh sieve into medium-size bowl. Quickly whisk in yogurt and vanilla until smooth and homogeneous. Pour into your prepared ramekins, and let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Transfer the ramekins to your refrigerator, and allow the panna cottas to remain undisturbed for at least 2 hours, until set and fully chilled.
To serve, either eat the panna cotta directly out of the ramekin, or invert onto a plate. Top with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, if desired.
Makes 4 Servings
Yummy, They don’t have vegan eggnog here in Brazil, so I will definitely have to check that out!
A vegan panna cotta?!?!?! The impossible has occurred – you’re beyond brilliant.
Mmmm, this looks so delicious. After seeing panna cotta on all these food shows, I’ve always wanted to make it but never thought it could be done! I’m glad to know I can finally try this treat! :D
Beautiful Panna Cotta!!!
Oh, and it was great meeting you! I gave the other cupcake to my sister and she also loved it!
Sorry, but I LOVE eggnog! I really miss it (though you’re right, the Holly Nog is a great sub). That panna cotta looks fabulous! And I just love how the syrup has the same scalloped edge as the plate.
Oooh, that panna cotta looks great. I’m not vegan but I’ve never had a taste for eggnog either – you’re not alone! – and I much prefer the vegan version.
The panna cotta I could get on board with, but egg nog, yucky! Just the name makes me gag! Vegan nog is probably ok, but it still freaks me out.
I agree with you, I find the concept of real eggnog gross and totally unhealthy.
Mmmm vegnong panna cotta?! Yes please! I hated eggnog as a kid, but after discovering Silk’s version, I fell in love. Converted my omni boyfriend to it too!
This is definitely going on the list of things to make – thanks! Love your name – same as my daughters!
egg nog panna cotta! amazing. the pic is just darling. great job hannah!
I am an eggnog lover from way back! Your panna cotta looks so rich and creamy! YUM! I’ve never had panna cotta. How does that vary from flan or the french creme caramel?
~ingrid
Oooooh Hannah. That looks SO good! I tried eggnog once. My family has never had it, and it just sounded so gross, but my husband’s family always has it, so the first year I spent Christmas with them I tried it…and it was just as gross as it sounds, I only had a sip, bleh. I like the vegan versions also though!!!
oh la la, do you have a vegan nog you like best?
That looks gorgeous! I can’t explain it, but I’ve always loved the flavor of eggnog, but vegan eggnog is much better than the nasty dairy and egg filled version. I can only imagine how awesome that flavor would be in panna cotta….
Hannah, this is incredible. I’ve never had panna cotta but have wanted to try it ever since I was over at a friend’s house and they were eating it. I don’t have individual ramekins. Do you think it would be possible to make it in a large dish and just cut slices?
They really do make everything now! What a great holiday dessert you’ve made, super festive.
this sounds wonderful! i’ve been wondering about recipes to add soynog to, and this one looks really yummy :)
Yummy, i’ve always been a eggnog lover. And looking at the picture reminds me of vegan eggnog which is my favourate.
All the best,
Lucille Green
loving this idea!! I’ve wondered since going vegan, if panna cotta could be veganised successfully!! this looks ace.
I’ve always wanted to try panna cotta and this recipe sounds scrumptious!
My kids love the Silk Nog. We’ve also been drinking it since October. I made the stock guy at Walmart root around in all the boxes the other day looking for more!
I have to say, I love your blog! The pictures are amazing, and the recipes are so creative! I always leave inspired! However, I have to say that when I made the panna cotta tonight, we were very disappointed. It was not as tender as I had expected and had more of a jello-like consistency. I’ve been vegan for a year and a half, and I don’t honestly remember what a typical panna cotta tastes like so I am not intentionally comparing it to its non-vegan counterpart. Nonetheless, mine was a little bitter and had a tangy taste to it. It wasn’t very rich or very sweet. Did I do something wrong? I used agar-agar flakes, and I followed all of the directions exactly, using a mesh sieve and simmering for 10 minutes. I also used Silk brand “egg” nog. Is this how it is supposed to taste or did I do something wrong?!
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