Pumpkin Spice Latte

Fall drink season at Starbucks is one of the most amazing things that happens each September (other than my birthday of course). However, after checking out the Starbucks Nutritional Information page, I learned that if I actually had as many Starbucks drinks as I wanted, I'd need to run about 50 miles a day to keep my calorie count under control!

I however came upon and modified a recipe online which is healthy & delicious! This recipe uses actual pumpkin puree (you can buy it in a can, or roast your own) as opposed to a high sugar pumpkin flavoured syrup, fresh ginger, and skim milk or plain soy milk. Its absolutely delicious and you don't even miss the sugary syrup. Actually my one beef about so many Starbucks drinks is that they are too sweet. I wish I could get more flavour and a little less sweetness.

My recipe isn't perfect measures, since I use a giant mug at home, and didn't really measure much...but here is a pretty good estimate of what I made!


Pumpkin Spice Latte
1/2 to 3/4 cup very strong coffee
1/2 cup steamed skim milk (I have a fabulous steamer by Bodum that I use in the microwave as a cheat). If you can't steam the milk, just microwave (for about a minute) or cook it in a pot until it is almost boiling. You can use any milk you want really, I also use vanilla or plain soy milk and its delicious!!
2 tbsp pumpkin puree (if you buy it in a can, make sure its just pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, as that is flavoured and sugared and likely won't taste quite as nice). If you want to make your own puree, bake the pumpkin in the oven and puree in a food processor until it is smooth (both are equally delicious, and I have substituted some squashes before as well).
1/2 tsp cinnamon + some to sprinkle on top
1/4 tsp ginger (you can use fresh or powdered)
1/8 to 1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp clove (or slightly less)
1 tsp honey/agave nectar (or stevia) you can use more or less to your liking, I usually use less

1) Mix the spices, honey & pumpkin together in the bottom of a mug (I use a fork)
2) Add coffee (make sure it is really hot) and stir with a fork until the pumpkin mixture is dissolved.
3) Add milk (except for foam) and stir just enough to mix.
4) Spoon milk foam on top & sprinkle with cinnamon.