Pumpkin Spice Latte

Even in Tulsa, Oklahoma, fall is in the air.  While working on a note card design, using a brand new rubber stamp, I had some fun coloring in a 'coffee mug' artwork.  Hit the "orange spectrum" and sighed deeply at the lovely shade of pumpkin I landed upon with my coloring tools.  This made me think of hot beverages and what I might create in my own kitchen.  Found this gem of a recipe, orginally from Pillsbury and tweaked it for my taste buds. Give it a try and tell me what you think!  I think it is simply Yummers.

1. Here's what you'll need to make my version:

1 1/2 cups Almond Milk (unsweetened or vanilla, the 30-calories-per-cup variety)

2 T. pure packed pumpkin

1 t. *instant coffee crystals

1 t. vanilla

1-2 tsp. your favorite sweetener (I've used rice syrup and Erythritol and stevia ---not at the same time :-) and liked them all.  Prefer my Erythritol when I have it on hand.)

**Pinch of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Whisk together all ingredients except the pumpkin pie spice.  Heat in microwave safe bowl or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly but short of boiling.

I add a splash of almond milk to my mug, cooling it off just a tad before drinking.  Sprinkle with small amount of pumpkin pie spice and 'bottoms up.'  Delish on any Autumn or wintry day.

*For you tea drinkers out there, substitute the instant coffee with 1/2 cup to 1 cup freshly brewed hot tea.  Just as delicious.  I recommend an unflavored strong green or black tea so the pumpkin has a chance to 'shine.'

** Don't have pumpkin pie spice on the shelf?  Try making your own:  1 T. ground cinnamon, 2 tsp. ground ginger and 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg.  Have some cinnamon sticks crying to be used?  This would be the drink to use them!  YUMMERS!  Next up?  Going to try adding 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder for some scrumptious hot chocolate pumpkin yumminess!  Should be a perfect fit!