RECIPE: Real Pumpkin Spice Latte (with or without coffee)

The leaves are falling and there is a chill in the air.  While I'm not quite ready for hot chocolate yet, I am enticed by a warm cup of something in my hands...and if it has the tasted of Autumn?  Even better!

This belly-warming treat can be made with our without coffee....either way, this home-made version will beat-the-pants-off the artificially flavored versions you get at popular coffee shops...

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Milk (I use low-fat organic, but you can use whatever type of milk you prefer)
• 1-2 tbls. Pumpkin Puree (I use homemade - you can find my recipe HERE)
• 1-2 tsp. Sugar (I use organic)
• 1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 cup Fresh Brewed Coffee (optional)
• Fresh Whipped Cream (totally optional, but oh-so worth it!)

This recipe makes one cup.

Whisk the sugar, puree and pumpkin pie spice into the milk.

Put the mixture into a pot and cook on low heat, checking and mixing often to prevent burning.

While your milk is heating up, whip up some fresh whip cream if you feel so inclined.  I use my immersion blender to make fast work of this task (and I can make one serving at a time).  

Pour your heated milk into a cup by itself, or into your cup of coffee....

Top off with that decadent whipped cream, and add a sprinkle of the pumpkins spice to finish it off.

Sit down and enjoy!