Better than Starbuck's Pumpkin Latte

Better Than Starbuck's Pumpkin Latte (and it is not because it contains Jack Daniels, because it doesn't)

To celebrate the fall season, I'll be featuring pear and pumpkin recipes that will be tasty and easy to make like this Pumpkin Latte. Unlike Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte, this one is lower in calories, will save you money, and there are no hidden ingredients to make this delicious latte. The best part, this recipe does not contain any animal-fat because it is dairy-free and vegan.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Latte

• 1/4 cup Strong Coffee (I used 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon of instant coffee)
• 2 cups Almond Milk (or soy)
• 4 tablespoons Pumpkin Puree
• 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon Pumpkin Spice*
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice (I didn't have any so I made my own blend)

• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon Clove
• 1/4 teaspoon Cardamon (or All Spice)

The Fancy Method

1. In a medium saucepan on medium heat, combine coffee, milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree together with a whisk. Cook mixture until hot but don't allow mixture to boil.
2. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, and spices. 
3. Stir and let spices infuse latte for a couple of minutes. Strain spices out with a strainer or cheese cloth. This will make your latte smooth and not gritty from the spices. 
4. Pour into mugs and stir with cinnamon stick if desired.  

The Low Maintenance Method

1. In a large mason jar, add all liquids together except for vanilla extract. Cap the jar and give it a few good shakes to mix the ingredients together. 
2. Uncap the mason jar and heat the mixture at 30 second intervals in the microwave until it is hot. Mix mixture in between the 30 seconds intervals with a whisk or cap the mason jar and give it a few good shakes. 
• Tip: Use a wet towel to uncap the mason jar before heating it in the microwave. A vacuum seal is created because the mixture is hot so be careful when unscrewing the lid. 
3. Once hot, add vanilla extract and spices. Mix or shake the latte. Shaking it is more fun though. 
4. Enjoy! 

*Tip: I've put all the ingredients in a mason jar except for the spices the night before. When morning arrives, I give the jar a few good shakes to mix the ingredients, uncap the jar, heat the liquid in the microwave, add the spices, then cap the jar and go. It can be as simple as that!