Healthy DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte

Each September, I look forward to the Pumpkin Spice Latte's annual appearance on Starbucks' menu.  Spying the popular beverage pop up on Starbucks' seasonal chalkboard last week brought a smile to my face.  However, like any coffee shop drink these days, the cost of a daily (or even weekly) Pumpkin Spice Latte can add up quickly.  And, in the past year, as I've made significant changes to the way I eat, I find that I can no longer muster as much enthusiasm for the chain's ultra-sugary pre-made flavor mixes.  Furthermore, since I no longer consume much dairy (and prefer almond milk to soy), I'm usually limited to ordering green or herbal tea in a typical chain coffee shop these days.

All that being said, I'll be darned if I didn't get a serious craving for a Pumpkin Spice Latte while writing this post the other day.  The craving was so serious, in fact, that I simply had to have one that very day.  What's a dairy-free, health-conscious, natural-ingredient-lovin' Pumpkin Spice Latte addict to do?

Some internet research and a trip to Whole Foods later, I was ready to satisfy my yearning and chart a brave new course for Pumpkin Spice Latte fans everywhere.  Overly dramatic?  Maybe.  Insanely delicious?  Definitely.

Healthy DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte
Makes 2 servings.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I drank the whole thing.  
2 cups low-fat plain or vanilla-flavored almond milk 
2 tablespoons canned organic pumpkin (pumpkin should be the only ingredient listed...avoid canned "pumpkin pie filling" which usually contains added sugar among other things)
2 tablespoons agave nectar
2 tablespoons organic vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon no-sugar-added pumpkin pie spice (typically a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves)
1-2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup pumpkin-flavored coffee (you can use decaf if you avoid caffeine)

Combine almond milk, pumpkin, and agave in a large saucepan, and cook over medium heat until steaming, stirring as needed.  Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice, then whisk energetically until frothy.  Pour into a large mug, and add espresso or coffee on top.  Sprinkle a bit more pumpkin spice on top.  Best savored on a crisp autumn morning, newspaper in hand.  Enjoy!