Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

• 2 T. canned pumpkin
• 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice, plus more to garnish
• black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 T. sugar
• 2 T. pure vanilla extract
• 2 c. whole milk (2 % or skim can be substituted)
• 1 to 2 shots espresso, about 1/4 c.
• 1/4 c. heavy cream, whipped until firm peaks form

Steps

1. Heat pumpkin and spices:
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat cook pumpkin with pumpkin pie spice and a generous helping of black pepper for 2 minutes or until it's hot and smells cooked. Stir constantly.
3. Stir in the sugar:
4. Add sugar and stir until mixture looks like a bubbly thick syrup.
5. Warm milk:
6. Whisk in milk and vanilla extract. Warm gently over medium heat, watching carefully to make sure it doesn't boil over.
7. Blend milk:
8. Carefully process milk mixture with a hand blender or in a traditional blender (hold lid down tightly with a thick wad of towels!) until frothy and blended.
9. Mix drinks:
10. Make espresso or coffee and divide between two mugs and add the frothed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired.
11. Serves 2