The holidays are on our tails and I'm busy getting ready (as I'm sure we all are) by making my usual loads of cookies, cakes, cocoa and other wonderful sweet treats. 'Tis the season, am I right? Just because it's the season of feasting and over indulging, doesn't mean that you have to go overboard though! There are so many easy ways to lighten up and indulge in your favorites without feeling guilty. It's as simple as a few swaps and some common sense.

I've heard it said before that you can eat anything you want, as long as you make it yourself. Of course, that isn't entirely the mantra that I live by, I do believe in homemaking the vast majority of the things I can. One of the most easy things to make on your own, has to be whipped cream! I've been making my own whipped cream for a few years now, and I love that I can completely control the sweetness and flavor for myself.

Since we're so close to the Holidays, I decided to add in a bit of cinnamon along with vanilla to give it that hint if warm flavor that I was looking for. Of course, to lighten this up further, I swapped the usual sugar or confectioners sugar here for a natural sweetener.

For my cinnamon whipped cream I decided to use Shamrock Farms premium Heavy Whipping Cream. It has a higher butterfat, which is ideal for whipping as the higher butterfat leads to stronger peaks and longer hold times. Shamrock Farms creams also have a reputation for being rich and creamy because they’re made with real dairy from cows never treated with the growth hormone rBST.

Whipped cream is just one of those things you need around the holidays. It's perfect in plenty of recipes or even for topping your favorite cocoa for a little extra sweetness and decadence. What's better is that whipped cream is quick and easy to make. Plus, it can be made up to 10 hours ahead of time which is a great tip and time saver when heading into these seasonal parties and get togethers!

Here's a few of Shamrock Farms ‘Moo Tips’:

• Add any Shamrock Farms cream variety to coffee for a rich, smooth texture !
• Substitute milk with heavy cream in sauce recipes for a thicker texture and richer taste.
• Add Fat Free French Vanilla Half and Half for a slightly sweeter flavor in recipes.

For more ideas and recipes, check out Shamrock Farms!

Homemade Cinnamon Whipped Cream
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 8 • Size: About 1/4 Cup • Calories: 104.4 • Fat: 11.1 g • Saturated Fat: 6.9 • Carb: 0.9 g • Fiber: 0.0 g • Protein: 0.6 g • Sugar: 0.1 g • Sodium: 11.4 mg

Ingredients:
1 C. Cold Heavy Whipping Cream
2 Tbsp. Natural Sweetener
1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon

Directions:
Place a metal mixing bowl (or the metal bowl of a stand mixer) and metal whisk into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes.

Once the bowl and whisk are super cold, place the 1 C. whipping cream, 2 tbsp. natural sweetener, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon into the cold bowl.

Whisk or beat at medium-high speed just until the cream reaches stiff peaks.

Store any unused portion in an airtight container for up to 10 hours.

When ready to use, rewhisk for 10 to 15 seconds.