::take comfort in rituals...at home::

Since the beginning of September, I have been craving slightly addicted to Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattes. They are ohmygoshsogood. But they are not cheap. And they are NOT fat-free (not that I usually care, because I use baby #2 as my excuse for any and every extra calorie I eat).

But the other day at the Meandher Creek Pumpkin Patch with my lil' Punkinhead, we wandered into the Farm Store and picked up some of the farm's homemade pumpkin pie spice. It was on my grocery list this week anyway, and I like to support local business (is 70 kms away "local"?), so it wasn't a stretch. And I thought to myself, "Why couldn't I make my OWN Pumpkin Spice Latte?" Wayne, being oh-so-thrifty and not a fan of Starbucks' overpriced coffees, would be so proud!

And huzzah! I have done it! And I would like to share my discovery, because I know everyone and their dogs have pumpkin pie spice in their cupboards this week, the week of (Canadian) Thanksgiving. So listen up and you can thank me silently as you snuggle into your OWN couch with your steaming cup of cheaper, less-fatty, pumpkin pie goodness.

Baxter-style Pumpkin Spice Latte

1/2 cup 2% milk (skim if you're really watching calories)
1/2 cup brewed coffee or espresso (adjust according to your taste)
3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. real maple syrup
optional: whip cream/Cool Whip

Pour milk in your mug and heat in the microwave until hot but not boiling (mine has a beverage setting on it that worked well.) Remove and stir in pie spice and maple syrup. Add coffee, stir, and top with whip cream/Cool Whip if you're throwing your cares out the window!

Relax, and enjoy!

*Note: The last sip usually contains some leftover spices. It's pretty gritty, so I'd avoid it if I were you!