What if you can’t get enough egg nog?  Maybe you need something to take the edge off on the morning after the holiday party?  This recipe gives you the best of both worlds…

This first part you can do ahead, do it now and then you are ready to go right away in the morning.  Place cider, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and zest into a 6 quart pan and bring to a low simmer.  Add apples and cranberries.  Cook for a bit.  Strain and reserve both the liquid and the fruits.  Place the liquid back into the pan and reduce about 30 to 40 minutes.  Cool and add the apples and cranberries back into the mix.  Chill.

Combine the egg nog, booze and spices.  Mix well.  Be sure to taste for proper proportions.  Dip the slices of French bread into the mix and add some of the apple cranberry setup.  Let em soak a bit then cook em up like regular french toast.  Maybe a nap after breakfast…what would be the harm?

– John 2001