Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Latte: ½ cup black coffee ¾ cup whole milk 2-3 TB pumpkin puree, depending on the pumpkin flavor desired (fresh or canned) 3 TB pure maple syrup (where to buy) ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (where to buy or homemade) ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (homemade) Whipped Topping: ¼ cup heavy cream 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (homemade) 1 TB honey or maple syrup

Brew the coffee. You may desire more coffee, so make a little extra if desired. Set the coffee aside. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, warm the milk, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin. Whisk the ingredients until the milk begins to bubble on the sides. Turn off the heat and add the vanilla extract. Pour the warm milk in a large bowl or work in the saucepan. Use an immersion blender (like this) to create the milk froth. This is the secret to creating a homemade latte without an expensive machine. This little gadget is also perfect for pureeing homemade soups in the winter.

If you don't have a immersion blender, vigorously whisk the milk in the saucepan as the bubbles begin to form (while heating the milk). This method won't create the same froth or texture of the immersion blender method, but it will still create a tasty coffee drink. Pour the frothy milk into a large coffee mug. Carefully pour the coffee into the frothy milk. For the homemade whipped topping:

In a stand-mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or hand-mixer) whip the cream, vanilla, and honey/maple syrup for 2 minutes, until the mixture forms whipped cream. Spoon the whipped cream over the top of the pumpkin spice latte. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice. Serve warm.