MASTERING THE ART OF VEGAN COOKING RECIPES

Steps:

• In an electric mixer or by hand, whisk together egg yolks and 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar until light, dense, and mixture forms a ribbon trail when whisk is lifted. While whisking, very slowly add 1 cup bourbon. Cover this mixture, and refrigerate for one hour.
• Whisk in remaining bourbon, then beat in cream and milk. Add 1/2 cup more milk if it is too thick. In another bowl, whisk egg whites with a pinch of salt, until fluffy. Slowly add remaining confectioners’ sugar while whisking; keep whisking until whites are shiny and hold firm but not stiff peaks. Fold egg whites into egg yolk mixture.
• To serve, ladle eggnog into small cups — demitasse cups would work well — making sure to get some foam on each. Grate a little nutmeg on top of each.

Steps:

• Butter two 9-inch springform pans. Line with parchment paper, and butter again. Heat oven to 275 degrees.
• Coarsely chop dates, prunes and pineapple. Combine fruit in a bowl with cherries and orange peel. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Sift this over fruit. With your hands, toss to coat.
• In medium bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Beat in sugar, then almond extract. Pour over fruit. With wooden spoon, mix well. Fold in pistachios, almonds, pecans and walnuts, and mix until coated with batter.
• Divide mixture between pans. Using your hands, pack batter firmly and fill in open spaces. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours, until tops of cakes look dry but not brown. When cakes are done, transfer to cooling racks. Let stand for 5 minutes, then release springform and peel off parchment paper on sides.
• While cakes are still hot, brush lightly with corn syrup. Let cool 30 minutes, then spoon Armagnac on top. When completely cool, remove cakes from pan base and peel off parchment paper on bottom. If not eating right away, wrap fruitcakes in plastic wrap. They will keep for two months in refrigerator. If storing, sprinkle with more Armagnac an hour before serving.