Make it Personal
It goes without saying that 2020 has been one for the records! As part of my DIY liqueur series this fall, I am sharing another recipe in hopes to spread some more holiday spirit. What are some things that make the holiday season special for you? I love personalizing my gifts because it conveys an underlying message of love and gratitude for that special person. I take mental notes all year long about what makes my friends, family, and coworkers happy. Sometimes, it’s just something simple that reminds me of them. In either case, my gifts are not so much about the price tag as they are about the strings attached to my heart.
Gifts from the Heart
I didn’t celebrate holidays when I was growing up because of my religion. When I had children of my own, I made sure that my daughters were given every opportunity to experience the wonders of the season. We decorated the house and trimmed the tree. We baked cookies, watched movies, and listened to festive music. However, what I enjoyed the most was helping them create their own gifts to give to their friends and loved ones. Anything handmade from a child is like icing on the cake and holds more value than money can buy. Gifts from the heart don’t need to be expensive or fancy because you simply can’t buy love.
Keep it Simple and Fun
The best thing about making gifts for adults is that it’s fun! I’ve done cookie swaps, made bath salts and essential oil blends, sewed hot and cold packs, customized scrapbooks or journals, repurposed holiday cards into gift tags, and the list goes on. Last year, I made soap with my friend. Not only did I have homemade gifts to give, but I got to spend a day with one of my favorite people. This year, I am sharing recipes about making your own cordials or liqueurs. Some of the recipes I have shared require some advanced planning, but this month’s recipe can be whipped up and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month so you can enjoy the holidays with a cup or two of creamy cheer.
It Tastes Like Christmas in a Cup
Cream Base for Cordials
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup simple syrup (to make your own: equal parts water and sugar)
Mix together and use as base for liqueur.
Irish Cream Liqueur
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup water
½ tsp powdered instant coffee
½ tsp chocolate syrup
1 tsp coconut extract
½ almond or vanilla extract
2.5 cups cream base
1 to 1.5 cups Irish Whiskey according to taste
Heat water and brown sugar and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool until warm. Dissolve coffee in warm syrup. Add chocolate, vanilla or almond extract. Slowly add into cream base. Add whiskey and whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a glass container and refrigerate immediately. Shake well before use. Serve warm or cold. Consume within one month. As always with these recipes, try experimenting to create your own perfect blend.
Cheers to a healthy holiday season and a happy new year in 2021!
Looking for other ideas? Check out my October and November blogs:
