Instructions

1. Combine sugar and 2 tbsp (30 mL) water in medium saucepan. Place remaining water near stove.
2. Bring sugar mixture to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; cook until mixture is dark amber in colour, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Gradually add remaining water to mixture, taking care it doesn’t spatter. Stir until caramelized sugar mixture is dissolved.
3. Whisk eggs and milk in large bowl. Stir in caramelized sugar mixture. Cook over medium-low heat until mixture coats back of spoon, about 12 minutes. Immediately strain through cheesecloth or fine sieve into 6-cup (1.5 L) bowl. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and salt.
4. Cover and refrigerate until chilled (3 hours).
5. Just before serving, beat whipping cream, liqueur, if desired, and icing sugar until soft peaks form. Pour chilled eggnog into 2 quart (2 L) serving bowl. Gently fold in whipped cream. Sprinkle nutmeg on top, if desired.