Pumpkin Spice Lattes

One of my many favorite things about fall are Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I rarely visit Starbucks (aside from the occasional treat after a bad call, or going into a long shift), but in the fall, I have a hard time staying out. And of course, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is even more expensive than their regular flavored lattes - I think I spent almost $5 on a medium when it was released earlier this fall - OUCH!

I've tried various DIY versions over the past few years, and I've always been disappointed. They've always been gritty from the spices, or the pureed pumpkin, added directly to the latte, adds a funky taste or texture. This year, I found the recipe for a pumpkin spice syrup on Tastespotting, and I knew it would make the difference!

I had some difficulty finding pureed pumpkin - I ended up getting the last can of organic pumpkin at a local coop. Even though it was about twice the price of a can of Libby's, all of the ingredients for a batch of this syrup still cost less than the price of one latte. (And, I have enough pumpkin for a few more batches.)

I'm not going to give the directions on making a latte - everyone has different machines & preferences for espresso to milk ratio. I will be giving the recipe for the syrup - use as you would use any other flavor syrup.



PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP (Adapted from Confections of a Foodie Bride)
Makes approx 2 cups of syrup

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
5 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

Cook sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat until the mixture is completely clear.

Whisk in the remaining ingredients and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not allow mixture to come to a boil.

Allow mixture to cool for 10-15 minutes. Strain syrup through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a large jar or bottle of your choice. (Straining will be slow due to the pumpkin)

Keep syrup in the fridge.

Use 1-2 tablespoons in your favorite latte recipe.

ENJOY!

World's Best Lime Fizz

I was served these wonderful fizzes for the first time about 5 years ago. My inlaws invited me over to celebrate my hubby's (then boyfriend's) birthday. They served BBQ Ribs (my hubs was always bragging up his Mom's ribs - they are delicious!) and had these lime fizzes as the refreshment. They are wonderful! A great change from a regular lemonade. (And just in time for Labor Day BBQ Celebrations!)



LIME FIZZ

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
5 medium limes

Make a simple syrup of sugar, water & lime zest. Bring ingredients to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat & cool. Add juice from zested limes.

(I found that by using a microplane zester, the flavor in the syrup is much stronger than if you use the zester that cuts long peels).

To make fizzes:

Pour lime syrup from above to make 1/4-1/3 of total drink volume. Gently layer very cold carbonated mineral water into the glass. Stir gently & garnish as desired. Serve immediately.

ENJOY!

Watermelon Lemonade

Having had multiple consecutive 90 to 100 degree days, I've been looking for a refreshing drink that I'd be able to enjoy on our newly rebuilt deck. This was fairly quick to make up, with the assistance of a food processor, and was a nice change from a regular lemonade. With watermelon being plentiful during the summer, I encourage you all make a pitcher to enjoy!



WATERMELON LEMONADE (Adapted from Smitten Kitchen)
Makes 1 gallon

2 cups lemon juice
4 cups fresh watermelon puree, strained through a coarse strainer to remove seeds & large pieces of pulp
1 1/2 -2 cups simple syrup (Adjust to desired sweetness)*
6 cups cold water

Stir it all together and serve over ice. Add a few ounces of sparkling water (we used lemon flavored) to add a bit of fizz just before serving.



* SIMPLE SYRUP: Simmer one part water with one part sugar until sugar has dissolved. Let cool. (I used about 1 1/4 cups of sugar & water, and had about 2 cups when the syrup was done).

ENJOY!