{ a chilly pumpkin morning }

Have you ever had coffee on the brain before you've even opened your eyes in the morning? Of course you have.

This morning was such a morning for me. It was 4:15am, the windows were open, temps were in the 40s, and I could smell and taste a pumpkin latte.

Time to put my craving into action.

Starbuck's ain't got nothin' on a homemade pumpkin spice latte, made in the comfort of your jammies and in your own kitchen.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
adapted from RecipeGirl

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Half-and-Half

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot brewed, strong coffee
• 2 tablespoons (or more!) heavy cream
• granulated sugar (I prefer demerera sugar), to taste
• whipped cream, optional
• ground nutmeg, optional
• ground cinnamon, optional

Process
In a glass measuring cup, whisk together milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, spice and vanilla. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes - watch closely and remove it from the microwave when the milk is hot and frothy.

Pour the pumpkin milk into a large coffee mug. Add hot coffee. Pour in heavy cream, as desired. Add a teaspoon of sugar. Stir, and taste. Add more sugar, if desired.

Optional, but yummy! Add whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve immediately.