Pumpkin Spice Latte

I have a dear sister-in-law who lives in Greeley, CO. and works at a preschool. At Christmas she receives all kinds of gift cards, but quite a few for Starbucks, and then when we go out for a visit she treats me to a drink from there. (For me it is really a TREAT). I just heard from another friend that the Pumpkin Spice Latte has made its annual re-appearance and after some extensive browsing on the web I found a recipe that is real close. So, for those of us that live hours away from a Starbucks and those of us on a budget, here is the recipe:

Pumpkin Spice Latte

makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup(???)

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract (yes, that is tablespoons)

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup OR 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee. I actually even tried it with making instant coffee; 1 tsp. to 6 oz. and that was good also)

Directions:

In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. (I brought it to a simmer) Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don't have a blender, don't worry about it - just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk. (Whisk works fine, it will still get foamy)

Pour into a large mug or two mugs (this makes 2 nice size coffee mugs full). Add the espresso or coffee on top. I added about 1/4 cup of coffee per each mug.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg or cinnamon on top. In my opinion, this is a given, not just optional.

I halve the recipe when LaVern isn't home or doesn't want one (which is not too often and he isn't a big fan of pumpkin)

Yummy! Perfect for fall, cool weather. Take joy in simple things.