Delicious Reading: #PSL

Pumpkin spice latte: the drink that is so trendy, some now refer to it just by its initials: PSL.

When it hits the Starbucks menu, we know fall has arrived (even if it is still 90 degrees outside). According to the Starbucks Newsroom, when the PSL debuted in 2003, there were very few pumpkin spice-themed items. I know that can be hard to imagine, especially since, according to Datassential Menu Trends, restaurants’ pumpkin-inspired limited-time offers went up 234 percent from 2008 to 2012.

Unfortunately, developing a PSL habit from September through December can be quite costly. But what to do if you are not a barista? I noticed PSL lovers on Pinterest suggested making your own in the Crock-Pot as a great solution. Of course, this won’t be a true latte, because the milk is not steamed and you are not using real espresso. However, it captures the flavors that have made PSL a fall staple. I looked at several recipes and, based on them, created my own. It’s the perfect drink to share on a crisp fall afternoon!

Pumpkin Spice Latte-ish

(makes 8 mug-size servings)

__Ingredients:__

2 cups brewed coffee

1 tablespoon espresso powder

3 cups 2 percent milk

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 tablespoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

3 cinnamon sticks

__Instructions:__

Mix the coffee and espresso powder together, then pour into the Crock-Pot. Add milk and stir.

Mix together the pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Pour into the Crock-Pot and mix well.

Add cinnamon sticks.

Cook on high for 2 hours, then ladle into mugs. Top with whipped cream if desired.

For an adult version, add a shot of RumChata to each mug. I saw this mentioned on several blogs and had to try it. (For research purposes.)

Blogs consulted to create this recipe: thrivinghomeblog.com, farmwifedrinks.com, thedallassocials.com and thewholesomedish.com.

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About Brooke

Brooke Clubbs is a Jackson mom of three, a freelance writer and a communications instructor.