Cross training and Making Irish Cream Low Fat

Cross training day:  No Running and No Walking. Ted was in charge of Shane. What a day to leave him with it:  cold 24 degrees and snowy.  Glad I got out of that one!

45 minutes Elliptical Trainer + 15 reps x 4 sets running high knee lifts.  Chest and arms with weights. Finishing with 30 minutes on recumbent bike.  Just not as rewarding as running.

Make Your Own Irish Cream (possible gifts for the holidays?)

The first time I ever had Bailey’s Irish Cream I thought I’d gone to heaven.  It was the most wonderful tasting liquor I had ever had.  But the price?!  What teenager 25 year old could ever afford it? So Bailey’s Irish Cream went on the list for holiday indulgence. A once a year treat. UNTIL…I discovered a way to make my own Irish Cream and make it low fat. Did you realize that one serving of Bailey’s Irish Cream (1.5 oz) is a whopping 400 calories?! And the fat?!  Let’s not go there.

I’m not promoting the following Low Fat recipe for Irish Cream as healthy but it is a way to enjoy this creamy liquor with a LOT less calories. *The liquor will mellow out as the mixture sits in the fridge.  Add more (up to 1 2/3 cup Irish Whiskey if you want).  Make sure to SHAKE IT before pouring.

• 1 clean empty bottle with a secure lid to store the liquor in the refrigerator
• 1 cup Fat Free half and half
• 1 14 oz can Fat Free sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/3 cup Irish Whiskey (This is what it’s all about!)
• 1 tsp instant coffee
• 2 TBS chocolate syrup *Make your own. See below
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 tsp almond extract

*If making your own chocolate syrup, do it first so it can cool.

Chocolate syrup

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• pinch salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In a saucepan over medium low heat, add the cocoa and water and let the cocoa dissolve.

Add the sugar and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the salt and stir.  Add the vanilla and stir. Let cool.  Store in a sealed container for future use.

Making Irish Cream

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix on high speed until well blended.

Pour it over ice

You will want to keep pouring…

Baby, it’s cold outside. Keep pouring.

Store in the refrigerator and shake before pouring.

Have you ever made your own liquors? *If you care to share, I’ll post your recipe with a link.