We clipped this recipe from a magazine years ago, I wish I could remember which one. (Update: Thanks to Andrea for telling us it was Budget Living!) It’s called “Godfather Jimmy’s Milk Punch” in the green journal we reserve for our favorite recipes. It’s a wonderful alternative to eggnog and has become a staple on Thanksgiving. But first things first, you need to freeze this in a milk jug, so don’t just toss the next one you empty into the recycling bin. I’ve been known to cut the frozen milk jug in half and only defrost half of it at a time since we don’t often have guests on the holiday and the dogs aren’t partial to brandy. (Attention PETA that was a joke, our dogs love brandy).

Brandy milk punch

• 2 1/2 quarts whole milk (you can use a mix of 2 percent and whole, don’t use skim)
• 750…