Pumpkin Spice ‘Chai’ Latte

Fall has definitely arrived! The leaves are turning their beautiful gold and crimson colors and there is a chill in the air. Years ago, when Brion and I made the choice of what trees, shrubs and flowers to plant in our yard, our plan was to showcase the colors of every season. For me, being a farmer’s daughter, watching this seasonal beauty each year has been priceless.

The ‘flavor of fall’ brings pumpkin to mind. When I was a kid, I thought they looked great, made wonderful jack-o-lanterns but didn’t care for the taste at all. Then one day mom made a pumpkin ‘chiffon’ pie and I was hooked. 

In the winter of 2011, Brion and I traveled Turkey for a month. We were meeting our Trafalgar tour group in Istanbul. Arriving a day early gave us time to ‘snoop’ around a bit. Next to our hotel was a ‘Starbucks’, so we went in. When Brion ordered my coffee they gave me a ‘Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte’ by mistake. That pumpkin chai flavor was just incredible. I have been addicted to it ever since.

The Starbucks original pumpkin spice latte turns 14 years old this year. In January 2003, they started developing it to expand their line of seasonal winter drinks. In 2015, real pumpkin puree was added to the drink.

A stay in Istanbul would not be complete without a traditional and unforgettable boat excursion up the Bosphorus, that winding strait that separates Europe and Asia. Its shores are a mixture of past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty. Modern hotels stand next to shore-front wooden villas, marble palaces in contrast to rustic stone fortresses and elegant compounds neighbor small fishing villages. Since Turkey actually straddles two separate continents, its culture features strong elements and traditions from both east and west. At that point in time we found Turkey a relaxed country to travel in which made our time there very enjoyable.

I came across a recipe on a website called greatist.com  for a DIY version of Starbuck’s PUMPKIN SPICE CHAI LATTE.  I couldn’t resist trying it.

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Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

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Rating: 5
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Course

dessert

Cuisine

American, French

Servings

MetricUS Imperial

Ingredients

Pumpkin Pie Spice (about 3 1/2 Tablespoons)

• 2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Pumpkin Puree

• 2 Tbsp canned pumpkin puree ( not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (see recipe above)
• 2 cups milk (whole, 2%, skim, almond, coconut, soy)
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• 1 cup freshly brewed, strong coffee
• Extra 2% milk (optional)

Course dessert Cuisine American, French Servings MetricUS Imperial Ingredients Pumpkin Pie Spice (about 3 1/2 Tablespoons) 2 Tbsp cinnamon 1 tbsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp cardamom 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Pumpkin Puree 2 Tbsp canned pumpkin puree ( not pumpkin pie filling) 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (see recipe above) 2 cups milk (whole, 2%, skim, almond, coconut, soy) 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp vanilla 1 cup freshly brewed, strong coffee Extra 2% milk (optional)

Votes: 1 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe!

Instructions

1. In a small dish, combine 'Pumpkin Pie Spice' ingredients & store in a spice jar with a lid. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pumpkin puree, 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, milk, syrup & vanilla. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture starts to steam. Remove from heat & pour mixture into a blender. Cover, hold the lid on tightly; blend for about 15 seconds or until frothy.

   
2. Brew the coffee. If you like extra milk foam on top, pour a few tablespoons of milk into a glass jar with a lid while coffee is brewing. Tightly seal & shake for 30-60 seconds. Remove lid & place jar in microwave for 30 seconds.

   
3. Divide coffee & milk mixture between 2 mugs. Top with extra milk foam (if using) & sprinkle with a bit of pumpkin spice.