Does anyone need a last minute Christmas gift that takes almost no time to make? There are several good choices in You’re Grown - Now You Can Cook. In the Dessert section, the Chocolate Sauce and Caramel Sauce (p. 148), both made in the blender, are beautiful, and such a nice present to give or receive. Just put the sauce in a jar, add a label and maybe some ribbon and you’re good to go in 10 minutes at the most. Super Easy Fudge (p. 163) comes together with the help of your microwave in no time at all. Southern Shrimp Butter (p. 19) in a pretty little crock or bowl is another 10-minute possibility for a lovely present. You could even create a popcorn gift basket from Fun Ways to Serve Popcorn (p.22), using some of the ingredient ideas, like packets of seasonings, mini candies, brown paper bags, and, of course, popcorn. My sister puts together the ingredients for Hot Artichoke Dip (p. 26) in a cute container packed with instructions for baking as one of her holiday treats. That’s always nice to have on hand!
Here’s a new idea for you, and it REALLY is a breeze to make plus talk about holiday cheer – it packs a punch: Irish Cream Liqueur.
I was with my knitting group a few weeks ago and conversation quickly turned to food and recipes. (Imagine that!) It’s an unspoken rule that you don’t describe a great dish without providing the recipe. I was talking about making Irish Cream Liqueur as gifts and was reciting the ingredient list when my very practical friend Kim, looked at me in utter disbelief and said, “You know you can buy that stuff in the liquor store, you don’t have to make it!” No amount of friendly persuasion could convince her of how much more delicious the homemade version is. I’m about to change that by giving her a pretty little bottle of her own, she’ll definitely be a convert. You’ll want to make this too when you see how easy it is. Plus, a homemade gift always says how much you care about someone, and is such a nice way to say, “Happy Holidays.”
Ingredients
*I’ve been making this so long that I use the cans for measuring, hope you don’t mind!
14 oz can Sweetened condensed milk
14 oz whiskey (which in our house always means Jack Daniels)
7 oz heavy cream, or ½ of the can
1 Tbsp instant coffee granules
2 Tbsp chocolate sauce
Directions
Put all ingredients in the blender and blend about 30 seconds.
See, I told you it was easy! This is absolutely delicious on ice cream
Drink Responsibly!
