So, why would anyone pay $6.00 for a beverage from Starbucks when you can make it for way cheaper at home? You also know everything going into it when you make it yourself, and I’ll tell you what isn’t going into it – four pumps of pure sugar.

Here is what you will need to make this bevvy yourself:

• Espresso or strong coffee
• Plant-based milk (I love cashew milk)
• Pure pumpkin puree (homemade or canned)
• Maple syrup (optional)
• Pure vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice (homemade or store-bought)

To make your drink more latte-ish, frothing the milk is essential. One of my favourite kitchen tools is this handheld milk frother that I purchased from amazon. It is super cheap and works so, so well. I use it every day. I highly recommend investing in a frother if you are looking to save money by creating your own coffee-based beverages.

Pumpkin pie spice can be found for purchase at most grocery stores, or online here. You can also make it yourself by combining cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and some cardamom. If you don’t often use many of these spices, I would recommend just buying it as you will have an abundance of leftovers that will just be taking up room in your pantry.

To put this yummy drink together, you first want to get your coffee ready. Brew 1-2 shots of espresso, depending on preference, in your espresso maker. Alternatively, you can use regular coffee instead. Next, combine your milk with all of the other ingredients, steam and then froth it up. Pour over espresso and top with an extra sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice and you got yourself a PSL.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Servings: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plant-based milk (I use cashew milk)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1/2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1-2 shots of espresso (or 1/3 cup strong coffee)

Instructions:

1. Add the milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, vanilla and spice to a small pot over medium heat and whisk. When the milk begins to steam, use a milk frother for 20 seconds or until foamy.
2. While the milk is steaming, brew the espresso or coffee.
3. Pour the espresso into a tall mug and top with the frothed milk. Add a sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice on top, if that’s your jam.

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Did you know that the majority of the world is lactose intolerant (around 65% of the population)? Doesn’t that seem strange to anyone else?! With all of the research around dairy products and their long-term effects, it has really put me off of drinking milk for the last decade. Luckily, you can milk a nut. Just kidding, nuts don’t have nipples.

But seriously, plant-based milks are a thing, and they are easy to make. They can sub in for anything you do with cow’s milk, but you don’t get the runs after drinking them…Score!

There are so many types of non-dairy milks out there nowadays – soy, almond, coconut, oat. But, my favourite is cashew. It’s so creamy and delicious.

To make cashew milk, you need two things – cashews and water. Easy peasy. You can also add flavourings, like vanilla, or sweeteners, like maple syrup or honey. The best part about homemade nut milk (other than how easy it is), is that you know exactly what is going into it, and also what isn’t going into it – preservatives. Yah, baby.

To begin, you need to soak one cup of raw cashews in water overnight. In the morning, drain and rinse the cashews, add them to your high-powered blender (or soup maker, which is what I use) with your choice of additions and blend until smooth. That’s literally it. You don’t even need to strain cashew milk, like you would almond milk.

I hope this post has inspired you to make your own cashew milk at home. It is significantly less expensive than store-bought, healthier for you and takes only minutes. Tag me on Instagram if you try out this recipe – @nevernoteatingca

Homemade Cashew Milk

Prep time: 2 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Cook time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 3 cups water
• pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place your cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight.
2. Drain the cashews and rinse thoroughly. Transfer them to a high-powered blender, or soup maker. Add three cups of water as well as the salt, vanilla and syrup, if using. If using a blender, blend for about one minute, or until completely smooth. If using a soup maker, set to “juice” and press ON/OFF.
3. Pour into a large mason jar or a container with an air-tight lid. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

NOTES:

*I like to serve it with a dash of cinnamon or stir it into my morning cold brew over ice.

**Separation is normal…Shake well before serving!

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