Fall Favorite: Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte in My Favorite Mug

Today I am going to share a recipe for Pumpkin Spice Latte with you.  I love this fall beverage.  It has fall in every taste, the pumpkin, the spices. MMM - delicious:) The warmth of the beverage  takes off the morning or evening chill with every sip.  In fact, as I am writing this post, beside me is a cup  Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Now, to the recipe.  I found this recipe from a blog named "the Kitchn".   I modified this recipe ever so slightly.  You begin by heating milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and sugar just until steaming.  You then stir in some vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.  With either a stand or a immersion blender, blend for 15 seconds or until foamy.  Pour mixture into a large mug and add 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee or espresso.  Top with whipped cream.  That's it.  Sit back and enjoy:)

Pumpkin Spice Latte
Adapted slightly from "the Kitchn"

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish
1 to 2 shots espresso, about 1/4 cup espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
Whipped Cream, to garnish

Directions:
1. In a saucepan whisk together milk, Pumpkin Spice Syrup, sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring until steaming.

2. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.  Blend mixture for about 15 seconds or until foamy.

3. Pour into a large mug or two mugs.  Add the espresso or coffee on top.
4. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.
Note:  If you do not want to use sugar, use sugar substitute to taste.

Makes 1 to 2 servings

Hot Maple Apple Cider #Fall Favorites

Autumn is here and that means it is time for hot apple cider.  This is a family favorite drink on crisp autumn days/nights.  After the first servings, I  keep the cider warm  in a carafe.  This way we can help ourselves to it whenever we want.




Hot Maple Apple Cider

Ingredients:

1 orange
10 whole cloves
1- (64 ounce) bottle apple cider
1 ginger tea bag
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise
1/3-cup pure maple syrup
Whipped cream
Ground nutmeg



Directions:

1. Stud the orange with the whole cloves.  Set aside.
2. Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot.  Add the orange, ginger tea bag, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
3.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 60 minutes.
4. Remove the cider from the heat and add the maple syrup.  Stir until the syrup is dissolved.  Taste and add more syrup if needed.
5.  Ladle the cider into mugs and top with whipped cream and ground nutmeg.

Makes 8 servings