Ponche de Creme is a traditional Trinidadian Christmas drink. I took the traditional drink and added a twist with this Peanut Ponche de Creme.
Christmas in the Caribbean is a pretty big deal. It’s a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy some delicious dishes and drinks. One of those drinks you can find during Christmas time is Ponche de Creme, it’s a Trini specialty. Although the traditional recipe is perfect, I thought I should add something extra by adding peanuts. So in this recipe, I will share this Peanut Ponche de Creme recipe.
Before the Trini people come for me, I have to admit that I am not from Trinidad. So I am not claiming my version of this drink to be the most authentic and the best. I just had to say that. Nevertheless, I wanted to try my hand at this amazing drink and I did, and of course I had to share it with you guys. But I didn’t want to share yet another ponche de creme recipe, so I decided to use peanuts.
Ponche de Creme is the Caribbean version of the classic Eggnog recipe. It is made from eggs, spices, evaporated milk, condensed milk and rum. Of course, it is super easy to make and delightful to drink. So of course, I had to make it this year and share it.
Usually, it is made with white rum but I added dark rum. I don’t have much evidence to prove this, but I think that dark rum just tastes better. Like I said previously, this is not the traditional recipe so don’t expect the traditional ingredients. However, you can always use white rum if you want to.
Peanuts are famous in the islands, we like to snack on them and for any festival or at any market you will find them. We like to roast them and just eat them as we walk down town or listen to the music. I used roasted peanuts and I blended them. In order to get a smooth and creamy texture, I blended the roasted peanuts along with the evaporated milk and then I strained the mixture. Lastly, I discarded the pulp but you can use it in another recipe.
Before diving into the recipe, I want to share some TIPS & TRICKS with you guys:
TIPS & TRICKS
- Peanuts: I highly suggest using fresh peanuts, but if you can’t get your hands on fresh peanuts then you can use the unsalted packaged kinds. Nowadays, I have noticed some supermarkets carry roasted peanuts that don’t have the shell on them. Although the packaged kinds are good, I suggest that they are roasted peanuts with the red skin on them if possible and unsalted. However, I don’t recommend using peanut butter as a replacement. Now, I know it may be impossible for some people to find peanuts but if you really have to use peanut butter then 2-3 tbsp will be fine.
- Making the crème: The base is very simple and quick to make. I started out by blending my peanuts and evaporated milk together. In a separate bowl, I was beating the eggs, spices, rum and condensed milk together then I added the peanut base. It is simple, quick and very easy to make.
I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Now, let’s get into it.
Trini-Style Peanut Ponche de Creme
Ingredients
- 4 cups Peanuts shell removed
- 4 medium Eggs at room temperature
- 2 cans 14 oz Evaporated milk
- 2 cans 14 oz Condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Dark rum
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Fresh or ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Fresh or ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Allspice
Instructions
Roasting the peanuts(skip if your peanuts are already roasted):
- Place the peanuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes at 375°F/190°C.
- Once they are done let them cool.
Making the peanut base:
- In a blender, add the peanuts and evaporated milk.
- Blend for at least 2-5 minutes or until the mixture is smooth.
- Set aside.
Making the ponche:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until fluffy then gradually whisk in the condensed milk. You can use an electronic mixer or whisk. I used a whisk.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients such as the spices, rum and vanilla extract.
- Whisk in the peanut base. Mix everything together perfectly.
- Finally strain the mixer into a pitcher.
- Serve with some ice and enjoy!
Notes
- This should last anywhere between 3-7 days in the fridge.
Other Holiday drinks you may enjoy:
Traditional West Indian Sorrel Drink