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    How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

    By | Shine Food – Thu, Sep 20, 2012 2:01 PM EDT

    Homemade Pumpkin Spice LatteHomemade Pumpkin Spice LatteIt's that time of year - when pumpkin spice lattes pop up on Starbucks menu boards and I gaze longingly at anyone walking by with a cup, wondering which of the festive flavors they've picked. Of course as a freelancer I don't have the budget for a daily take-out latte, so it's nice to know that not only can I brew a good cup of coffee at home, I can whip up an authentic pumpkin spice latte to sip at my desk, or share with friends, at a fraction of the cost. Although it seems like a coffee shop extravagance, it really doesn't require special skills to make your own. If you don't have a coffee maker, use instant - I prefer instant espresso, which has a smoother flavor. Whip up a batch of Starbucks petite vanilla bean scones to serve alongside to give your morning a festive start!

    Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

    Ingredients:
    3 cups whole milk, warmed
    1 Tbsp. sugar, or to taste
    1/2 tsp. vanilla
    1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
    3/4-1 cup double-strength brewed coffee lightly whipped cream
    a shake of pumpkin pie spice

    Related: 21 pumpkin-inspired recipes for fall

    Directions:     Combine the hot milk, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice in a blender; blend until frothy. Pour the mixture into 2-3 coffee mugs, filling them about 2/3 full. Divide the coffee between the mugs, and top with whipped cream and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Serves 2-3.

    - By Julie Van Rosendaal
    Follow Julie on Babble

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