Pumpkin Spice Latte

Although it is still technically summer, Starbucks has brought back its Pumpkin Spice Latte. It's so full of sugary tastiness, it's one of the only ways I can tolerate Starbucks coffee. Checking out Make it Fast, Cook it Slow from the library couldn't have come at a better time; a SAHM with no income has a hard enough time not spending wads of cash and this will make it easier for me to avoid the Starbucks/coffee shop in the mall.

Stephanie posted the recipe on her blog here. I didn't take a picture, which is probably for the best because mine didn't look nearly as pretty as hers does.

--2 cups milk (I used skim)
--2 T canned pumpkin
--2 T white sugar
--2 T vanilla (not a typo. it asks for tablespoons)
--1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
OR: 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a teeny tiny pinch of ground ginger
--1/2 cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee

--garnish with whipped cream (optional)

The Directions.

This will make enough for 2 people to have a big mug with a bit leftover. If you are having friends over, adjust the recipe accordingly. I used a 4-quart crockpot, but as small as a 1.5 quart will work with these amounts.

Add the coffee/espresso and milk to the crockpot. Whisk in the pumpkin, spices, sugar, and vanilla.

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again.

Ladle into mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon.