On our menu today, we have a special country eggnog called "ponche de huevo," meant to be enjoyed warm in the morning. What makes this drink so unique is that this time I made it with duck eggs! Just one cup of this delicious beverage for breakfast provides you with the necessary nutrients and energy to last until noon. If you don't have duck eggs, you can still make this breakfast eggnog with regular eggs.
Duck eggs are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for promoting healthy skin and brain function. They also have alkaline properties, making them an ideal food for cancer patients, as cancer cells cannot thrive in an alkaline environment. In addition, many people who have allergies to chicken eggs can safely consume duck eggs without any adverse reactions. Another great feature of duck eggs is their size - they are larger than chicken eggs and contain more albumen, which is perfect for baking. The result is richer, fluffier cakes and pastries that are sure to impress.
Interestingly, I was not aware of these benefits when I first raised ducks and left many eggs in the nest to reproduce. You can even see a photo I shared of our duck Kiwi's nest made with dried plantain leaves in the post found here. Now, I am considering raising ducks again and using their eggs to bake delicious cakes and see for myself if there is a difference.
This vintage recipe holds a special place in the hearts of many Dominicans, since many remember their grandmothers and moms preparing it in the early hours of the morning. I can vividly imagine our great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and mothers bustling around their country kitchens, creating this delightful drink. Those were the days of simple beauty, where breakfasts were hearty and nourishing. Unfortunately, in today's world, very few households continue to prepare this traditional beverage. Perhaps it is due to the difficulty of finding duck eggs in local stores, or maybe people believe it is a complicated recipe. However, I assure you that it is neither complex nor time-consuming to prepare. This ponche has a taste reminiscent of "café con leche," but with a slightly thicker consistency. Serve it alongside fresh bread for dipping, and you will experience pure bliss.
What truly captivates me about this ponche is the flood of memories it brings back. It transports me to my childhood, to my mother's cozy kitchen in New York's lower east side. While I never had the chance to taste my grandmothers' ponches, I fondly remember my dear mother's and my aunt Nydia's versions. I can still picture my aunt skillfully using a "molinillo" to beat the egg whites. These memories are treasures that I hold dear, and they are intertwined with this cherished recipe. Additionally, I hope that by sharing this recipe, it will evoke fond memories for you as well. I would love for you to share your own childhood memories of this or a similar recipe, along with any variations you may have.
Many grandmothers used a "molinillo," a vintage kitchen utensil similar to a whisk, to beat and mix the ingredients. If you are interested in owning one, you can find it here: Molinillo Dominicano.
Beat egg whites to very soft peaks like a soft foamy consistency.
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