A few days ago, I concocted the most marvelous hot nog that I’ve had in quite some time… and it’s low carb! The cream version is rich and so satisfying. The lower car’d almond milk version for those who can’t handle milk products is also delicious although not as thick. Either way, it’s a great way to toast the holidays with a warm drink. It will become my midnight NewYear’s drink.

I used a sugar free Pumpkin Spice Syrup in it, but you can just add extra cinnamon, nutmeg and clove instead.

Hot Pumpkin Nog

Rich and Creamy Version – Serves 2

1 tablespoon Vanilla whey protein powder *
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon Pumpkin puree
1 oz. Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1/4 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie spice
2 tablespoons Rum
6 drops liquid sucralose or 3 packets of sugar substitute

In a small sauce pan, mix together the protein powder, heavy cream and water. Cook over low heat until the powder is completely mixed in. Add the pumpkin, sweetener and Pumpkin Spice Syrup and stir until it is blended in. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture just starts to bubble around the edges. Turn off heat. Pour into small cups, 1/2 of mixture in each cup. Add 1 tablespoon of dark rum to each cup and stir it in, then sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice over the top.

Nutrition Info – 1 serving
Calories: 241 Fat: 22 g Net Carbs: 2.3g Protein: 1.3 g

Less Rich Version with Almond Milk – Serves 2

1 tablespoon Vanilla whey protein powder *
1 1/2 cup Unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon Pumpkin puree
1 oz. Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1/4 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie spice
2 tablespoons Rum
6 drops liquid sucralose or 3 packet if sugar substitute

In a small sauce pan, mix together the protein powder and almond milk. Cook over low heat until the powder is completely mixed in. Add the pumpkin, sweetener and Pumpkin Spice Syrup and stir until it is blended in. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture just starts to bubble around the edges. Turn off heat. Pour into small cups, 1/2 of mixture in each cup. Add 1 tablespoon of dark rum to each cup and stir it in, then sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice over the top.

Nutrition Info – 1 serving
Calories: 59 Fat: 1.9 g Net Carbs: 0.6 g Protein: .9 g

* You may omit the Vanilla whey powder and add 2 teaspoons vanilla.  The powder makes it taste richer and thicker, besides adding protein, but it isn’t necessary.

To make the fully-charged sugar version, just follow the recipe using 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup water and 3 to 6 teaspoons of sugar to your preference. About 10.6 net carbs and 179 calories.

POSTED BY RENE AVERETT AT 12/19/2013 12:25 PM