Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Easy Pumpkin Spice Coffee for One

Fall is officially upon us.  All I have to say to that is...YAY! I love this time of year for many reasons. I have an excuse to wear scarves and tights with everything, and light all of my apple and pumpkin candles. Divine! I also love a warm drink in a big mug. Nothing says comfort more than the warmth of a coffee on a chilly morning, and the delicious aroma of spices. Yes please.

Is it just me or are the Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes highly overrated? Not to mention over priced. Buy a can of pumpkin puree and make it yourself! You'll get several more portions this way and for a lot less money.
Here is what you'll need: sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla, instant coffee powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, half & half, and milk.

To make one cup:
1 cup milk
1/2 cup half & half
1-1/2 Tbs. sugar
1-1/2 Tbs. instant coffee powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 heaping Tbs. of pumpkin puree
A generous pinch of both cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice (about 1/8 tsp. total)
**this recipe is easily doubled if you want to make this for two, or just want an extra big cup**

In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and place over medium low heat on the stove. Gently heat until the mixture begins to steep (DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT BOIL!) You should notice tiny bubbles starting to form around the outside. Your coffee is now heated and it's time to drink.
Om nom nom. I love the smell of warm pumpkin and spice.  You can top this coffee with some whipped cream if you'd like, but I like to pour this mixture directly into a travel thermos, and take it with me to enjoy during my morning commute. But by all means, find a blanket, a seat on the couch, and indulge yourself before the chaos of your day begins.

I'm thirsty.