DIY Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Coffee Syrup and Virgin Irish Cream Lattes

I don't drink and I've never had an actual Irish cream coffee, but the upcoming St. Patrick's day holiday made me crave the fake Irish cream coffee creamer I used to use sometimes back in the states. I've never seen international delight creamer here, and I'm sure even if there is somewhere, it is crazy expensive. So I set out to make my own flavored coffee syrup.

The vanilla, almond, and touch of chocolate flavor combo seems just like the Irish cream flavor as I remember it. You could mix the flavors into 1 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup cream or half and half if you want ready made creamer instead. That should be quite similiar to store bought versions. I just prefer to add more regular milk instead.

This syrup is also great in hot cocoa. And of course if you give anyone a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and sprinkles you'll instantly becpme their hero. At least that is what happens around here. :)

Homemade Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Coffee Syrup Recipe

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder

1. In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a slow boil until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, turn off heat. Add vanilla, almond, and cocoa and stir until well combined.

 I store the extra syrup in a glass jar in the fridge.

Homemade Virgin Irish Cream Latte Recipe

• 1/2 cup strong coffee
• 1/2 cup milk
• Homemade Irish cream coffee syrup to taste
• Whipped cream (optional of course)

1. Brew coffee.
2. Heat milk in a small saucepan or in the microwave until just beginning to bubble at the edges. Froth milk if desired.
3. Add coffee syrup to taste and top with whip cream if desired.

DIY St. Patrick's Day Veggies

So last year I totally decided to celebrate St. Patrick's day at the last minute, and that was fine and we had a fun evening. This year since I am currently not pregnant or in the process of moving, I thought I might even try to come up with some fun ideas in advance.

I saw this idea for cutting peppers horizontally to look like clovers and thought it looked really cute. I like three leaf clovers that Patrick may have used as an illustration to explain the three-in-one concept, so I chose peppers with three bumps to cut horizontally.

I also decided to add carrots, broccoli, and ranch dip so my veggie platter so it would have all the colors of the Irish flag and have some variety. Orange peppers, pea-pods, and cucumbers would all be nice additions also.

This veggie tray was a huge hit. I made it early in the day thinking I would then have veggies ready for lunch and dinner (and I cut up twice the broccoli and peppers shown), but almost all of it was consumed at breakfast. I guess I haven't made ranch in a while and need to make full veggie trays more often. :)