80(ish)---Pumpkin Like-a-Latte

It's that time of year when all of the coffee shops have Pumpkin Lattes...... soon to be followed by Peppermint Lattes! I have quite a "thing" for these lattes, even though I rarely drink espresso (actually, only this time of year).

Two problems with this: they are expensive ($3 a piece), and they can contain over 300 calories (for coffee? yes- crazy).

So, let's make a lower calorie, much cheaper version of our own, shall we? Feel free to use decaf coffee! I typically do not promote DRINKING your calories-- they can add up fast. But, the holidays are all about a little bit of EXTRAVAGANCE.

Pumpkin Like-a-Latte

Serves 4

3 cups skim milk

1/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

3 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee

Cinnamon (optional)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar. Cook until steaming, stirring continually. Remove from heat.

Add vanilla and pumpkin pie spice and whisk until foamy.

Transfer 1 cup of mixture into each mug and then add 1/2 cup coffee. Sprinkle with cinnamon (optional).

Nutrition Info per 12 oz beverage: 126 calories, 0 g fat, 6.5 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates