Liquor infused desserts...the best way to get through the holidays!

Christmas is getting closer and closer...

 Our tree from the tree farm!

 Mary's tree topper finding a resting place in our tree

 Rachel & Mary - Christmas 1983

 
Ahh the beauty of Christmas....and the stress...presents still need to be purchased, wrapping must be done, and my students still need to make through 8 1/2 more school days. There is no better way to escape the holiday hoopla than a PARTY!

My lovely friend, Patti, is hosting her annual holiday party tomorrow. I am making Irish Creme Chocolate Trifle... a non Mary dessert. I know this is somewhat sacrilegious for this blog, BUT it is liquored infused so Mary would have definitely approved!

I first made this dessert last year for a family gathering. I found the recipe and knew it would be a big hit with the "Nan" (my grandmother). As far back as I can remember my grandmother has had a rather large special spot in her heart for Baileys. Every year for Christmas she receives a bottle...

or a couple of bottles...

 (This only lasted her about 1/2 a year)

Believe it or not, we have to plead with her to get a half a glass. Baileys is her equivalent of the crown jewels, 
so I knew this dessert would be perfect for her and tomorrow's party.  The original recipe did not call for Baileys, but you can add liquor to anything:


Irish Creme Chocolate Trifle

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) devil's food cake mix
• 1 cup Bailey's Irish Creme Liquor
• 3-1/2 cups cold milk
• 2 packages (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups whipped topping

Directions

• Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
• With a meat fork or wooden skewer, poke holes in cake about 2 in. apart. Slowly pour creamer over cake; refrigerate for 1 hour.
• In a large bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set.
• Cut cake into 1-1/2-in. cubes; place a third of the cubes in a 3-qt. glass bowl. Top with a third of the pudding and whipped topping; repeat layers twice. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 14-16 servings.

This will be thoroughly enjoyed by an exhausted group of overworked educational staff!

(some of last year's holiday party attendees)