The Simple Delights

One of the BEST things about Fall is the arrival of pumpkin flavored items at my favorite coffee shops, restaurants, and farmer’s markets…pumpkin frozen yogurt, pumpkin bread, and best of all, a warm, cozy cup of pumpkin spice latte. The aromatic nutmeg mixed with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and earthy pumpkin creates the PERFECT fall morning.

This morning I woke up with a craving for a pumpkin-y drink…so I got out the Espresso Machine (if you don’t have one, don’t worry- you can create the same effect with super strong brewed coffee)!

Pumpkin Spice Latte
Makes 2 servings

2 Cups milk (soy, almond or skim) (I used vanilla almond)
2 T canned pure pumpkin (I like Trader Joe’s Organic pumpkin)
Agave, brown sugar, stevia…to taste (I like 3 packets of Truvia)
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/8 t ground ginger
1/8 t ground nutmeg
sprinkle of sea salt
2-4 shots espresso depending on how strong you like your coffee flavor OR 1/2 Cup really strong brewed coffee
2 T of your favorite whipped topping

In a medium sauce pan over medium heat combine the milk, pumpkin and sugar until it comes to a nice simmer. Next add your spices and salt. Using a whisk, allow the mixture to come to a boil while you quickly whisk it to create nice airy milk.

Pour your expresso or coffee into a mug. Next add half of the milk mixture in each mug and top with your favorite whipped topping! I like to top it with a little extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Now, curl up in a chair with your favorite book and ENJOY!

When I want a fix of something sweet, cold, and satisfying I head into the kitchen and pull out the blender. Now, smoothie’s quite as creamy and satisfying as say, a big bowl of ice cream, or a slice of blueberry cheese cake…BUT, this one is pretty darn close…if you ask me!

You get the creamy, tart flavor of cream cheese and the sweet, lovely flavor of blueberries…and if you like, the added satisfaction of a nice graham cracker crumble. I like the serve this smoothie in a bowl…because it just seems more like a dessert that way!

8 cubes of ice
1/2 C blueberries
4 T Fat Free or Reduced Fat Cream Cheese
2 T Greek Yogurt
2 packets of Truvia (or 1 T sugar)
Juice of 1/4 a lime
1/2 t vanilla extract
a pinch of salt
3/4 C Milk (I used unsweetened Almond milk)

Put it all in the blender and blend it up until its smooth and creamy! Top with graham cracker crumbs or granola…or your favorite cereal.