Pumpkin Spiced Latte

I think it's a major accomplishment that I've made it eleven days into September without posting anything about fall. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE fall. The cooler temperatures, the changing leaves, how the air smells...it's all amazing. One of the most amazing parts of fall is everything pumpkin.

Roasted pumpkin. Pumpkin cupcakes, Pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin carving. Pumpkin beer. Pumpkin scones. Pumpkin cookies. Pumpkin patch. Pumpkin spice. Pumpkin candles. Pumpkin EVERYTHING.

I've traditionally been a huge fan of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL for short), but as I've been trying to adopt a healthier diet recently I wondered if I could create something similar at home without any artificial ingredients. I searched Pinterest and read through many different recipes before giving it a try myself.

This does not taste like Starbucks. It tastes earthier, spicier, and less sweet. The ginger really gives it a punch and the pure maple syrup sweetens without giving you a sugar rush. I think I am going to be making this for breakfast throughout the fall (and probably into the winter!)

Pumpkin Spiced Latte
2 cups milk (I used 2%)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
1 TBSP pure vanilla extract
3 TBSP pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture just to the point of boiling (when you start to see bubbles form at the edges) and remove from heat.
3. Transfer the mixture to a blender and carefully turn on the blender*. 
4. Mix for two minutes to create the frothy foam topping. This step is optional and you can skip it if you don't want foam or would rather top with whipped cream.
5. Pour into individual glasses and enjoy!

Real Food Update and Drink Recipes

My sweet baby bear helping me unpack our goodies from the Farmer's Market last weekend

You've heard me talk a lot about real food lately, but I have to admit that my commitment to the cause waxes and wanes depending on how crazy life is. In general, I'd like to think we've made a lot of progress. We haven't purchased milk or eggs that weren't local in a long time and have far fewer processed junk foods in the house. My husband and kid are still consumers of processed beverages, but I've cut down my Diet Pepsi consumption from 2 (or more!) cans per day to a can or two per week and replaced it with home brewed iced teas and carbonated water that I make with my SodaStream. Our dinners have been well rounded and include lots of fresh local fruits and veggies.

BUT, we still aren't there yet. We tend to fall short during all the in-between times. When the girls and I are out running errands and it's close to meal time...when I miss lunch and am starving as I drive home...when we're all stressed and craving comfort food. It's SO easy to give in and stop at a drive-thru. I pretended I'm still doing a good job by avoiding McDonald's/Taco Bell/Wendy's and only giving in to Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks. Today I'm publicly calling myself out; it's not good enough! 

For the next month (until my Mud Run on October 5th!) I am pledging myself to avoid all fast food. No more iced coffee. No more wake-up wraps. No more cake pops. None of it. I'll let you know how it goes...

If anyone else wants to join me on the real food journey, here are a few simple real food drink recipes you should definitely try out!

Watermelon Mint infused Water

Add 6 oz cubed watermelon and one sprig of mint to a pitcher and fill with water.
Allow to infuse in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Brewed Peach Iced Tea

Slice 4 very ripe peaches. 

Boil 6 cups of water in a saucepan. 

Remove from the heat and add 6 black tea bags. Infuse covered for 5 minutes.

Take out the tea bags and add the sliced peaches. Allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes.

Using a potato masher, squash the the peaches into pulp.

Rest the mixture for 5 minutes.

Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher and chill.

*If it is too strong for you, add a little bit more water to the pitcher*