Homemade Irish Cream

I've never been much of a drinker but I've always loved Bailey's Irish Cream, especially in my coffee after dinner. There's something about the flavor that for me, is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. So of course when I found out I could make Irish Cream I thought why not try it.

Well I couldn't believe how delicious it tasted. In fact, I think it's even better than Bailey's Irish Cream and if I want to I can add as much or as little Whisky to it as I like.

With New Years just 3 days from now, many of us will still have another party to attend. If you're like me, I always like to bring some sort of hostess gift. This homemade Irish Cream makes for a unique gift for the New Year! Who doesn't like Irish Cream?

Whether you serve it straight up on the rocks, over coffee, or even in a milk shake it's amazing! Your guests will be begging you for this recipe.

The best part is, you can make several bottles to give as gifts for a fraction of what it would cost to purchase Bailey's Irish Cream in the store.

So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today, if not to give as a gift, then for yourself. I'm sure you'll agree with me, it's heavenly!

Oh, and one other thing. If you're not a fan of almond extract try using coconut. It gives it a whole new flavor that you may even like better.

Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur

1 cup of Jameson’s Irish whiskey (or any Irish whiskey you like)
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
2 tsp. instant espresso
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Place all ingredients except the whisky in a container and blend. Once blended add the whisky and blend again. That's all there is to it.

Before pouring into bottles you may want to strain the Irish Cream through a fine mesh strainer to be sure there aren't any larger coffee grains left.
















This recipe was able to fill 2 (330ml) Perrier bottles. They come in a 4 pack. I just removed the labels and washed them well. Then using a funnel, pour the Irish Cream into the bottles and tie a bow around it stating what it is, that it needs refrigeration and when it expires.

This is best served after it's had time to chill in the refrigerator. The homemade Irish Cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month. However, it's so delicious I'm sure it won't last that long.

Enjoy!

Coffee Granita with Bailey's Drizzled Whipped Cream

Yesterday morning I made a large pot of coffee only to find out I was the only one drinking it. So with the leftovers I decided I'd make a batch of Coffee Granita's that I knew would be ready in time for dinner.

I took 2 cups of the coffee (any kind will work) and 3/4 cup of sugar. Blended them together until the sugar dissolved and then placed the mixture in the freezer. About 2 hours later I opened the freezer and with a fork I scraped the edges to loosen which were frozen. Then put the glass bowl that the mixture was in back to the freezer.

An hour later I did the same thing again and continued with this process until all the mixture was frozen and had been scraped into what looked like shavings or snowcone-like.

Then after dinner last night I took a martini glass and placed some of the frozen Coffee Granita into it. I then placed some homemade whipped cream on top and drizzled it with Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur.

All I can tell you was that it was so unbelieveably delicious! It was cold and refreshing plus with the whipped cream drizzled with the Bailey's it put it over the top. It wasn't too sweet but smooth and just right in my opinion.

If you don't want to make homemade whipped cream which is so simple with an "iSi" then just purchase some of the ready-made stuff. However, if you've never used an iSi you might consider purchasing one. It makes making whipped cream a cinch. Just add the whipping cream, CO2 cartrige, shake and you've got the real stuff. You can even doctor it up if you like with various syrups, etc. Use it as a topping for beverages, desserts, use it for sauces and even soups. It's simple and quick! Here's a video demo from the makers of iSi. I think you'll find it entertaining!

At any rate, if you like coffee I know you'll love this Granita. It was like having an after dinner drink and dessert all in one. YUM!!!