Homemade Irish Cream aka DIY Bailey's

Even though I only tend to taste Bailey's once a year (at Christmas), and too much is sickly sweet and rich, Baileys is quite possibly the most delicious alcoholic beverage I've ever had. I think most adults I know would say the same. Nobody drinks Baileys on a patio in the summer or to accompany a great meal. It's not an everyday drink at all, but oh is it divine. Making it yourself is really easy too! It takes about 10 minutes total and makes for a thoughtful gift or party favour. Here's my recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Irish Whisky (I use Canadian Club)
• 2 cups 10% cream 
• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
• 60 grams of chocolate (I use milk chocolate, but you choose!)
• 1 tb vanilla extract
• 2 ts decaf instant coffee or espresso

Method:

• In a pot heated right between low and medium, warm the 10% cream, chocolate, instant coffee powder and vanilla extract. 
• Whisk constantly until the chocolate is melted and mixed well.
• Take the mixture off the heat and stir in whisky and sweetened condensed milk

It's that easy! Tastes exactly like Bailey's but made with fresh ingredients and you get to control the level of sweetness and alcohol. If you prefer less alcohol than traditional Bailey's, use less whisky than I've listed. If you want less sugar, half the chocolate. If you want caffeinated Baileys, swap the decaf instant coffee for the real deal. I bring jars or bottles of my DIY Irish Cream to my brothers and in-laws every year at Christmas and just made my annual batch. Enjoy!