Pumpkin Spice Latte

Yesterday, I mentioned how busy this time of year can be. I also mentioned how important it was for me to not get so wrapped up in the all the hustle and bustle (even though I usually thrive on all the craziness) and really stop and enjoy the season and all the festivities.

But I think it is so easy to get wrapped up in the every day hustle and bustle as well. Working, errands, more work, appointments, meetings, organizations, chores, kids, etc.; all take up precious time and leave little room for, well, YOU or I guess I should say ME, because I am totally talking about myself!

But the last few weeks or so, I have tried to make a conscious effort to really take time for myself. Spending a Friday night at home (by myself) and watching a chick-flick. Taking long evening walks and enjoying the sunset (follow on Instagram to see some of my recent jaw dropping sunset views).

I’ve picked up reading again (not just cookbooks and food magazines!) and have thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in a good book. And I have even started tapping into my artsy fartsy side and started to craft (again).
All these things have been so good for my soul!

Another thing that I think is good for the soul, is taking time to visit with friends. For me, when life gets crazy, hanging out and visiting with friends is, unfortunately, always one of the first things to go. Again, this is something I am trying to work on, because that support from friends is always needed!

Monica, one of my blogging buddies and real life friends, is my coffee shop home-girl (that is what Google told me to use when I searched “another word for friend” Lol!). When I need a good cup of Joe and someone to vent and visit with, I know I can count on her! This is actually her version of a coffee shop fall favorite, Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Whip up a batch of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, bake some yummy cookies, call a friend, or grab a good book or cookbook (Monica’s first cookbook, Lick the Bowl Good: Classic Home-Style Desserts with a Twist, was just released a few days ago!!) and put up your feet to celebrate YOU!

One Year Ago: Jack-o-lantern Smoothie (a.k.a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie) 
Two Years Ago: Caramel Apple Donuts
Three Years Ago: Breakfast Stuffing
Four Years Ago: Asian Peanut Butter Pork

Pumpkin Spice Latte
Printable Version 
Prep Time: 3-5 minutes Cook Time: 3-5 minutes Serves: 1-2

1 ½ cups double strength brewed coffee
¼ cup half-n-half cream or milk
2 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 packets sugar in the raw (about 1 ½-2 tablespoons)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:
whipped cream (as needed)
dash pumpkin pie spice

Combine coffee, half-n-half cream (or milk), pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan. Bring to a high simmer (just before boiling). Whisking constantly, simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour into a large mug, and top with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately. 

Adapted from Lick the Bowl Good 

Other recipes you might enjoy:
Eggnog Latte
White Hot Chocolate
Pumped Up Caramel Macchiato Shake
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate with Cream Cheese Whipped Cream