Low Fat Pumpkin Spice Latte... Inspired by Starbucks!

A very Happy Birthday to my friend, Leena, who I've known ever since I was born, she is my longest friendship.  She will be moving to Hong Kong with her family for an amazing opportunity.  We've been playing phone tag today so hopefully we'll get a chance to speak soon.  I hope you had a wonderful day, Leena!  

This morning I literally had to drag myself out of bed, it seriously must be the gloomy weather we've been experiencing in the Northeast region.  Before I ate or drank anything, I forced myself to go for the Yoga class I've been putting off for so long.  I figured it'd be a nice workout, calm, peaceful, and easy, right?  WRONG!  The class kicked off with Om chants and then the mention of a few Hindu Gods followed, in particular, Brahma and Vishnu.  We then proceeded to do some breathing exercises, and I kept thinking this wasn't so bad.  Then the real surprise came when I had to do a Mukha Svanasana pose (posing like a mountain/hill) for over 10 seconds.  After every few minutes we'd return back to the Mukha Svanasana pose, my body was shaking after 20 minutes.  There were people who were able to stand on their hands, and others who were lying down flat and were able to lift their entire body using their hands and feet.  I would never have imagined Yoga to be this intense, however I can see how this class can really build overall body strength.  You really are utilizing body parts you wouldn't use otherwise.  The music was soothing, and it was nice hearing Bhajans (Indian devotional music) chanting the names of Hindu Gods, Radha & Krishna.  Overall, a very intense and relaxing experience... my mind felt clear and relaxed, while my body felt alert and energized.

By 4 pm I was craving Starbucks, however due to the depressing weather I wasn't in the mood to go out for walk.  I saved myself $4 and perfected my creation at home... the Pumpkin Spice Latte... this was my second try.  As much as I love Starbucks, don't you feel totally ripped off spending $4 a drink?  It's not a big deal if you purchase a couple drinks a week, but more than that can quickly add up.  My version is super easy, it doesn't require an espresso maker, or any kind of syrup... give it a try and let me know if you think this is the real deal!  I personally thought it was quite close to the original. 

TELL ME: Have you tried Yoga, if so, what are your thoughts and  how was your experience?

NUTRITION: Milk is a great source of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K.  It is also has a good amount of Protein.  Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A and Fiber.

INGREDIENTS:
*Note: If you don't have Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger powder on hand, you can use ¾ teaspoon of Pumpkin Spice instead.

• Milk 1% - 1 cup 
• Libby's Pure Pumpkin - 1 tbsp
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
• Medaglia D'oro Instant Espresso - 1 tsp
• *Cinnamon - ½ tsp
• *Nutmeg - ⅛ tsp
• *Ginger Powder - ⅛ tsp
• Sugar - 2 teaspoon (more or less)
• Light Whipped Cream - optional
  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat a small pot on medium heat, add 1 cup of milk.

2. Add Pure Pumpkin.

3. Add vanilla extract.

4. Add instant espresso powder.

5. Add cinnamon.

6. Add nutmeg.

7. Add ginger powder.

8. Add sugar.

9. Whisk.

10. Once the milk steams, not boils, STEAMS, turn off the stove.

11. Pour the hot milk to a blender or Magic Bullet.  This process will create foamy milk.  

12. Blend for a minute.

13. See how foamy it is? 

14. Pour the latte into a mug.

15. Whipped Cream is optional.  What do you think???

TELL ME: Have you tried Yoga, if so, what are your thoughts and  how was your experience?