Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

This isn't as sugary sweet as most iced coffee's I have had, but it's full of the pumpkin flavor and super easy to make. Another benefit, it uses the Pumpkin Spice Syrup that isn't full of artificial flavors.

Ingredients:

Ice
1/2 C Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1 C cold coffee
1/2 C milk (I used 1 %)
Whipped Cream (optional)

Instructions:
Fill blender half way with ice (about 2 1/2 cups). Add remaining ingredients and blend. Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup (for Lattes)

This pumpkin spice syrup is pretty close to crack. I have made 2 batches in 3 days and I have been drinking coffee nonstop. I have no issues forfeiting sleep for this delicious treat. I also double the recipe to be sure I don't run out too quickly!

Ingredients:

3 cups water
3 cups sugar
4 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (If you use ground cinnamon, be sure to make it into a bundle using a coffee filter and string. The cinnamon changes the syrup into a muddy color and makes it thick and grainy)
1 teaspoon whole cloves (will be strained at the end)
1teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
 10 tablespoons pumpkin purée

Directions:

Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and cloves in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook until sugar has completely dissolved.

Whisk in remaining ingredients. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not allow mixture to come to a boil. Strain syrup through cheesecloth into a large glass measuring cup. Transfer to bottle of your choice and store in the refrigerator. You can store this up to 3 weeks.

Add about 1 1/2 tablespoons to your coffee and enjoy!




Recipe adapted from here

Frugal Caramel Frap

Here is a recipe for mom's on a budget (especially this mom) who can't always afford the $5 fraps from those fancy chain stores.

Warning: This recipe has no actual measured ingredients. Just wing it and enjoy. At least you'll be getting some coffee in your system!

Ingredients:
Blender filled with ice
cold coffee you never got to drink (thanks to the kids)
caramel sundae syrup in the easy squeeze bottle
nonfat milk
sugar, optional depending on your sweet tooth level

Directions:

Squeeze caramel over ice, about 2 to 3 tablespoons
Add about 1 1/2 cups of coffee
Add a splash or more of milk, until the color looks like caramel

(This is where you would add that sugar if you desired. I'd say no more than 2 tsp. The caramel sauce is pretty sweet.)


Turn on your blender and make the magic happen.

Get a glass, bucket, old yogurt container and drizzle the caramel sauce all over the sides and bottom. Pour the mixture into the glass, throw a straw in it and yummmmm.

*Tip! Roll into pre-school pick-up with that bad boy and make all of the other mom's jealous.