I love Autumn, there’s something about all the changes around this time of year that really warm my heart. The beautiful colours of orange and red leaves against the golden sunshine and clear blue skies (when it isn’t raining in the UK), the faint smell of burning wood in the air, putting on a warm cozy cardigan, the taste of a delicious syrupy-sweet Starbucks Pumpkin Latte with the kick of 15 teaspoons of sugar….

Ok, that last part isn’t true. Not the 15 teaspoons of sugar, but the part where I actually drink one. True they are delicious, but they hold zero nutrition once they contain that amount of sugar. And do they actually contain any pumpkin at all?!

So, I make my own very nutritious and very delicious Pumpkin Latte with real, organic pureed pumpkin and fresh, warming spices. Oh, and no sugar.

I puree pumpkin by cutting it into large pieces and steaming it because it’s quicker and it retains moisture. I then scrape the pumpkin out of the skin and puree it with a hand blender.

I have an espresso machine with a steamer which is perfect for this, but you don’t need one; heating the ingredients in a pan and adding coffee at the end works just as well. I use coconut milk as it adds healthy fat but I’ve found almond milk works just as well.  Rude Health seems to have the most naturally sweet taste. If this needs extra sweetness, choose maple syrup or honey.

Makes one large serving.

1 heaped tablespoon pureed pumpkin

200ml milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp Cinnamon

½ tsp Nutmeg

¼ tsp Allspice

Double shot espresso or strong coffee

 

Steam or heat the milk together with the pumpkin. Add coffee, vanilla and spices. Stir well and enjoy.