No need to go pay huge bucks for your favorite fall fare when you can make it at home cheaper and better too! You can also enjoy them year-round too with this recipe. It's perfect for autumn and winter when you want a little warm, sweet pick me up. Pumpki
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
Heat pumpkin and spices:
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.
Stir in the sugar:
Add sugar and stir until mixture looks like a bubbly thick syrup.
Warm milk:
Whisk in milk and vanilla extract. Warm gently over medium heat, watching carefully to make sure it doesn't boil over.
Blend milk:
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.
Mix drinks:
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.
Serves 2