Perfect Pop of Pumpkin

de Calabaza Paleta

A friend, one of my darling formers, posted on Facebook that this is a "boots-in-the-morning, flip-flops-in-the-afternoon kind of day."  She described it perfectly!  Here in Texas, it feels like fall in the morning, but we're thinking summer by 3 p.m.  This treat, the pumpkin paleta, preserves the spice of autumn in a cool pop when the temp warms up.

Pumpkin Spice Paleta
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
3 scant T sugar
1 cup skim milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 t pumpkin pie spice, or more to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until blended.  Pour mixture into molds.  Freeze 4-6 hours.  Substituting whole milk for skim will add a creamier texture.  Skim milk keeps the calorie count down.  Delicious any way you mix it!

Warm Up, Chill Out

Pumpkin Latte

What could be more cozy than being curled up on a cool fall morning with a seasonal drink in hand?  On a relaxed weekend, the last thing I want to do is jump in the car and wait in a long line at the local coffee shop for a spiced latte.  With a few ingredients on hand, and no special equipment required, the only thing compulsory in acquiring this latte is about 5 minutes in the kitchen!  Warm up, chill out and enjoy!

Pumpkin Latte

2 cups milk

2 T canned pumpkin

3 T sugar

2 T vanilla

1 t pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup strong coffee

Whipped cream
Additional pumpkin pie spice for topping

Combine milk, pumpkin and sugar in saucepan and stir over heat medium heat; keep from scalding.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice.  Place mixture in a blender to froth, or use a whisk to froth by hand. 

Divide mixture into 2 coffee mugs and carefully pour coffee along the side of the cup to preserve froth.







Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional spice if desired.  To reduce calorie count, make this a skinnier latte by using non-fat milk and no topping.