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Pumpkin Spice Latte

It's that time of the year again.....


I haven't had one yet from Starbucks this year. In fact, I've boycotted Starbucks for quite a few months. I've boycotted all coffee shops since I finished school. Because, sometimes I feel like I'm drinking this:


It's been cooling off during the nights & mornings here lately, and last weekend left us craving some fall "treats".

So I purchased a few cans of pumpkin at the grocery store - and decided to incorporate a little Beta Carotene into our diets! :)

Ryan and I got up Saturday morning and headed outdoors for a run. Ryan accompanied me for 5 miles of my 9 miler - which was a pleasant and enjoyable surprise! I haven't ran with another person in about a year!! So this was great!

After our run I made Ryan some egg-o-licious breakfast burritos. And I made me some Pumpkin Oatmeal -- kind of made this on a whim. Here's the creation I highly recommend!

-1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats
-1 cup water
-3-4 spoonfuls of pumpkin
-Splenda & Pumpkin Seasoning sprinkled to your delight
-1 banana, sliced up

*Just make the oatmeal according to the package directions on the stove. Add your pumpkin, seasoning, and banana before serving. Mm Mm Mm!

And now for the highlight of this post!

My Pumpkin Spice Latte (this made a little over 2 servings worth)

-2 cups skim milk
-3 Tbsp pumpkin (from the can or puree)
-2 Tbsp sugar (or Splenda, like I did)
-2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract (Yes, I know. This seems like a lot - but it's correct!)
-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
-1-2 shots espresso OR 1/2 cup STONG brewed coffee (I just doubled the amount of coffee beans)

* In saucepan - combine milk, pumpkin, & sugar. Cook on medium heat stirring constantly until steaming.
*Remove from heat once streaming, stir in vanilla & pumpkin spice
*Transfer to blender (or use frother if you have one) and process for about 20 seconds until foamy.
*Pour into large mugs, add your coffee/espresso.
*You can top this with whipped cream, if desired and sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice for good looks! ;)

While drinking this, you may want to stir it every once in awhile.

These warmed my soul!

Comments

Unknown said…
I've never been one for flavored coffee, but this sounds very interesting. I would have to use soy milk instead, perhaps vanilla soy milk?
Lisa's Yarns said…
Oh yum! I am a sucker for a Pumpkin Spice Latte! I need to make this beause they are SO pricey!!

We def need to run together T-giving weekend! It can be a 'slow' run for you. :)
Amber said…
YUM! That sounds great! I will have to try making it at home because it is much too expensive to buy them at Starbucks all the time!

I adore pumpkin oatmeal :)
qwerkyqook said…
YUM!! Thanks Abby! Weekend excitement is in store for me...as soon as I dust off my blender!

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