Gotta have a latte love for Pumpkin Spice coffee

In a recent recipe I shared for Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal, I realized the liquid base for the recipe would make a perfect start to a warm or iced pumpkin spice latte.

The milky base infused with creamy pumpkin and warm spices pairs well with a bold coffee. I serve mine warm with a rich cream topping. I add a bit of sweetness and spice to the topping as well.

It’s convenient to make a latte at home, and as you can imagine, it’s a huge cost savings compared to running out to the coffee shop.

Once you have the base prepared, experiment with the amount of coffee you like to mix in. I use a 50/50 mixture. I’ve also used skim milk since it tends to froth better, but I missed the richness of the whole milk. I plan to try the same milk-pumpkin spice base for hot chocolate. I’m already dreaming about a cup of pumpkin mocha, or pumpkin hot chocolate topped with a large square of homemade marshmallow.

Enjoy the first signs of fall with a cozy cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte, and enjoy food made fresh!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 cups whole milk, (or other milk)

½ cup pumpkin puree

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

2 cups brewed black coffee

TOPPING:

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon brown sugar

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus some to sprinkle

Place milk, pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Whisk together until well combined. Cook over medium heat until just warmed, about 2 or 3 minutes.

In a small mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Pour about ½ cup brewed hot coffee into a mug. Add approximately ½ cup warm milk mixture to the mug. Top with a couple of heaping tablespoons of the whipped cream. Sprinkle a pinch or 2 of additional pumpkin pie spice on top of the cream if desire. Repeat for additional servings.

Makes 4 servings.

The Texas Spur e-Edition