Beverage: Holiday Eggnog

Difficulty: Easy

Prep/Cook Time: 10 min

Chill Time: 30 min

Serves (4)

I'm allergic to cow's milk, so this eggnog is made with fresh goat's milk instead of cream. A lighter and more frothy version than traditional fare, this nog is coats the palate without making you feel like you just drank an entire meal. Spiked with just a shot of rum for a bright warmness, feel free to spike yours as much as you'd like with your favorite liquor.

Ingredients: 4 large farm fresh eggs*, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup rum, 2 heaping tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, nutmeg to taste

*Use caution when using raw eggs. I always use farm fresh eggs from my parents' farm when consuming raw egg products.

Combine all ingredients in beverage mixer or blender. Blend on high until frothy (about 2 min). Chill eggnog for at least 30 min and serve with nutmeg.

Dessert: Pumpkin Cake with Nutmeg Icing

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 35-45 min

Serves (12)

Give apples a momentary break for the fall and bring out some pumpkin goodness. With no eggs, milk or beating required, this may be the simplest cake you'll ever prepare. Serve warm or cold, and drizzle with creamy nutmeg icing to enjoy the perfect pumpkin pleasure.

Ingredients: Cake 1 2/3 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter*, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Nutmeg icing 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp softened butter, 2-3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla, nutmeg to taste

*For a healthier alternative, substitute oil for the butter.

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in large bowl and mix with fork or wisk. Add water, pumpkin, butter and vinegar to flour mixture. Mix with wooden spoon. Pour batter into bundt pan and cook until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (about 35 min). Cake should slide easily out of the pan once slightly cooled.

For icing, combine all ingredients in small bowl. You'll want the icing to be a heavy drizzle--not a frosting--so thin the icing with more milk as needed.