It’s that time of year again – Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back! If you’re like me, you have been waiting patiently (OK- more like impatiently) for this seasonal favorite to arrive. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are more than just a tasty delight. They represent everything wonderful about fall – pumpkins, scarves, football season and the changing colors of the season.
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The only problem with this autumn indulgence is that fact that my bank account cannot support my #PSL habit. So like any smart penny pincher I took to the to find a more cost effective option.
I was surprised to find that Starbucks actually offers Pumpkin Spice VIA packets. For only $7.99 you can purchase 6 packets that just need to be added to heated milk. A considerable savings since one Grande PSL will run you about $3.97 a pop.
Option number two may look a little more costly upfront, but after you purchase your supplies, they will last long after the brisk fall weather disappears. I found this copycat recipe and was surprised to find that it may actually taste better than the Starbucks original.
- Pumpkin Syrup
- 2 1/2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of ground nutmeg
- 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
- Coffee per serving
- 4 ounces of espresso
- 4 ounces of milk (warmed and frothed)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons pumpkin syrup
- whipped cream if desired
Instructions:
To make the syrup combine spices and water in a medium sized sauce pan. Bring water to a boil, and then turn down the water with spices to simmer. Allow the spiced water to simmer for 20 minutes. Strain out spices by pouring the water through a coffee filter. You want the seasoned water to be free of the spices. Place water back into the pan and add sugar and pumpkin mix well. Simmer this for another 10 minutes. This will yield about 1 pint of pumpkin spice syrup. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
To make the latte prepare 4 ounces of espresso or strong coffee. In a coffee cup place 2 to 3 tablespoons of pumpkin syrup, then add coffee. Gently pour the frothed milk over the coffee, and gentle stir. If desired top with whipped cream and a dash of ground nutmeg.
So sit back, watch the leaves change and enjoy the more cost effective joy of a Pumpkin Spice Latte – the best way to kick off a fantastic fall.
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By
Tiffany Schoolfield
The amount to which I’m addicted top pumpkin spice lattes is a little ridiculous. Maybe I’ll try this recipe, instead
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