Here's a question I get asked a lot - Should I bring anything to a holiday party, and if so, what's appropriate? To answer, I'll give you the same advice Mother of Bachelor Guy used to give me. It was something she lived by: "Never show up at a party or a dinner empty handed. Ever."

It didn't matter if the invitation specifically said, "We got it. Plenty of food and drink. Don't bring a thing. Seriously. We are not kidding." She had to bring something. And for her, that something was usually a dessert.

Bringing a dessert is a safe option. It doesn't insult the host's/hostess's cooking skills. Desserts are always appreciated, especially if they are homemade. And if there is a story, or tradition, attached? Even better.

Guys? We usually bring a bottle of alcohol. Another safe bet. Not terribly personal. Or original. But safe. And most of us aren't skilled enough at baking to risk an attempt at making a dessert.

Here's a suggestion for something to bring that you can make yourself, contains alcohol, has a story behind it, and can be a dessert. (It's a stretch, but it could, possibly, be considered dessert. Depending on who you are serving it to.) It's Grandma Hawkins' Irish Cream.

I made a batch on Thanksgiving, and as anyone who had some that night can tell you, it's better than anything you've had out of a bottle. And, yes, there really is a Grandma Hawkins.

The story: While in Alabama last month on my golf trip, I was at a dinner with several other invitees, including Connie, Grandma Hawkins' granddaughter. The conversation at the table turned to after-dinner drinks, and Connie mentioned making her grandmother's Irish Cream to give to family and friends for the holidays. Apparently Grandma, (whose own grandparents emigrated from Ireland and Scotland), never liked the taste of alcohol, but loved to have a little of this at Christmastime. And it's been a tradition in their family for generations. I convinced Connie to give me the recipe, and permission to post it here. She did. Make some, put it in a bottle, and bring it to all your family and friends. Just make sure to toast Grandma Hawkins.

Grandma Hawkins Irish Cream

1 3/4 Cup Irish whiskey (Jamison's is best), or brandy
1 14 oz can Eagle brand condensed milk
1 Cup whipping cream
4 eggs
2 Tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve over ice, or add to coffee. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, tightly covered.