Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte

  Yes. Pumpkin. Spice. Latte. Please hold while I die a little. Lately EVERYONE has been talking about the famous #psl. And the secret is out, I make a killer  homemade version. To back up a bit, there is probably not much that I love more about Fall than the pumpkin spice latte. Starbucks, Dunkin, Einstein… You name it, I’ve had it. But, one thing that always gets me (other than the $4 price tag) is that I don’t know what is going into that deliciously delectable drink. Now, now. I know, since when do I really care?! Well, though I love my chemicals, when I am drinking 2-3 of these suckers a week, I get to wondering what exactly I am doing to myself, especially when those nasty infographics start circulating on Facebook. So, I decided to take it upon myself to create an equally (more than equally, actually) delicious drink that I can dissect without getting out a dictionary—oh, and it only has 5 ingredients. Yep, you read that right, 5. So, come on—read on. I introduce my famous pumpkin spice latte.   Mmm. I want one just looking at it. Creamy with just enough spice. *sigh* So, can making this gem really be that easy? My answer: yes it can. With a little bit of practice and preparation this delicious treat can be yours, any day of the week! And better yet, it costs less than $1 per serving! This lovely recipe takes three distinct steps. First, you will need to cook the pumpkin spice mixture on the stovetop. Then blend it to “steam” the milk, and finally you will need too brew your strong coffee or espresso.   That’s it, just three easy steps. And the plus side is that is takes way less time than driving to Starbucks, waiting in line and driving home. In my book? That’s a win. And the best part? Almost all of these ingredients are most likely already in your pantry! With the exception of pumpkin pie spice, but if you can’t run to the store, there is a great recipe here. So, without further ado, here is the recipe for the easiest, and best pumpkin spice latte!

Ingredients: (serves two)

•  2 cups milk (I used 1%, but any kind will do)
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used the fake stuff today, but any type will do!)
• 3 Tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. Start on the stovetop. Add your milk, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin puree and sugar to the pan. Heat until sugar resolves, stirring frequently.
2. Remove from heat and add mixture to blender. Blend for 30-45 seconds.
3. Brew 1/4 cup of extra strong coffee, or two shots of espresso.
4. Mix espresso and milk mixture.
5. Serve plain (or “skinny”), or add whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.
6. Enjoy!

Now that my friends, is worth waking up early—and a little table talk. xoxo Ashley Kate