Bailey’s Irish Cream is one of those drinks/mixers that’s sweet, rich and very distinctive.

It’s also very expensive.

When you consider the small amount that you get for a rather high price, those cocktails containing Baileys had better be really strong to help you forget just how light your wallet is feeling.

So, I bring you a homemade version of Baileys that’s pretty freakin’ awesome. There isn’t any real cooking so don’t get scared off.

Homemade Baileys Irish Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 C. your favorite liquor (Irish Whiskey, Brandy, rum, Bourbon, Scotch, or Rye Whiskey)

• 1 (14 oz.) Can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk or any other brand (NOT evaporated milk.)
• 1 C. (1/2 pint) whipping cream
• 4 Eggs
• 2 Tbsp. Chocolate syrup
• 2 tsp. instant coffee
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1/2 C. brown sugar

Directions:

Whip cream till stiff first.  Slowly add condensed milk in bowl.  Put liquor in blender with extracts and chocolate and coffee.  Beat the eggs vigorously and add the brown sugar to the eggs and beat again, then add to the cream and milk mixture.  Add to liquor mixture in blender and blend till smooth.  Serve over ice.  Can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Yum!

Image|caseywest Recipe|Denver Frugal Living

So, in honor of the Great American Smokeout, I’ve decided to provide smokers with a beer alternative! I know, it’s not exactly what the American Cancer Society had in mind, but it’s better than smoking.

If you’re dying to get a little smoke without the cigarettes, you could always try a traditional German Rauchbier (literally, Smoke Beer). Back in the day, when the malt was dried over open fires, the smoke would impart a distinctive smoky flavor to the beer, much like you might find in a scotch. Now the majority of malts are dried without smoke, but in the area of Franconia surrounding Bamberg Rauchbier is alive and well.

And the beer? Well, the beer is good, but it takes a little getting used to. Think of the taste of a good piece of smoked ham or bacon and superimpose that on a beer and you may get the idea. Then again, you may not, so the best bet is to try one and see what you think.

If you want the full Rauchbier experience, you have to travel to the lovely old city of Bamberg, where the Schlenkerla tap room still serves Rauchbier from wooden casks, as it should be.

Image from www.food-from-bavaria.de