The internet rarely disappoints, but this latest trend takes the biscuit. A viral recipe for ‘oatnog’ – a vegan eggnog alternative – has not only captivated social media but has also unearthed a surprising chapter in the history of whippets. According to a recent article in The Observer, the breed was once utilized for a rather unusual purpose: as live hot water bottles.
This revelation stems from a writer’s quest for warmth on a particularly chilly Tuesday morning. Seeking a comforting winter warmer, they stumbled upon an old recipe that leveraged the whippet’s natural instinct to snuggle. The result? ‘Oatnog,’ a creamy concoction that’s quickly becoming a favorite among those seeking a cozy treat.
The recipe, detailed in The Observer, is surprisingly simple. It calls for 250ml of oat milk, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, ½ teaspoon of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of nutmeg, and 20-30 gratings of coffee liqueur (Patron XO Café tequila is recommended, or a substitute). The ingredients are combined in a saucepan, warmed over low-medium heat, and then transferred to a mug, finished with a dash of the tequila.
But the story doesn’t end with a delicious drink. The Observer’s reporting highlighted the historical use of whippets for this purpose, sparking curiosity about the breed’s past. While it remains unclear if the whippet actually participated in the recipe’s development, the connection adds an intriguing layer to the oatnog phenomenon.
Recipe Breakdown:
*
Yields:
1 serving
*
Prep time:
5 minutes
*
Cook time:
10 minutes
Ingredients:
* 250ml Oat Milk
* 1 tbsp Vanilla Bean Paste
* ½ tsp Maple Syrup
* 2 tsp Nutmeg
* 20-30 gratings Coffee Liqueur (Patron XO Café tequila recommended or substitute)
* Coffee Bean (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Combine oat milk, vanilla bean paste, maple syrup, nutmeg, and coffee liqueur in a saucepan.
2. Warm over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Transfer to a mug.
4. Garnish with a coffee bean, if desired.
Origin of the Recipe:
The precise origins of this unusual recipe remain shrouded in mystery, though The Observer credits it to a writer seeking warmth on a cold Tuesday morning.
What This Means for Consumers:
The oatnog trend represents a fascinating blend of culinary exploration and historical discovery. Beyond the delicious drink itself, it highlights the power of social media to revive forgotten traditions and uncover unexpected connections. The viral recipe encourages experimentation with flavor profiles while showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Unique flavor combination, plant-based alternative, visually appealing (with coffee bean garnish), social media-driven popularity.
Cons:
Reliance on specific ingredients (Patron XO Café), potential for alcohol consumption (tequila garnish), may not appeal to all palates.
