Pumpkin & Chai Latte

I was always a fan of Pumpkin Spice Lattes... until I found out that they aren't vegan. Shame, right? Now, I know that pumpkin season has been over since Starbucks hoisted the first Peppermint Mocha sign of Christmas, and even that came and went as it is now over halfway through January and who knows what seasonal concoction they're brewing up now, but you can't tell me that you don't have a special place in your heart for pumpkin. This drink is vegan (just make sure that the pumpkin butter you're using is dairy-free!) and even more delicious than a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. In my opinion, it tastes just like pumpkin cheesecake. (MMM, pumpkin cheesecake!)

What you'll need:

 - 1 tbs loose leaf chai (or two tea bags; I just prefer it in the cafetière.)

 - 1 tbs pumpkin butter

 - 1/2 cup vanilla soymilk

You'll also need a saucepan, a wooden spoon, a whisk, and extra nutmeg, and cinnamon. (If you're going to drink this, might as well go all-out, am I right?) 

Begin by heating up the water in the kettle as to make a regular cup of tea. While the water's heating up in the kettle, pour the milk into the saucepan and over medium heat, begin to stir it. Make sure that you keep it moving so that it doesn't burn because that smells terrible. Once warm, add in the tablespoon of pumpkin butter and continue to stir on medium heat. Here is where you can also add some cinnamon and nutmeg if you wish. Some time during the stirring process, chances are that the kettle will start whistling. When it does, make the tea as you usually would but only fill the cup halfway with water. Pour the warm milk into the same cup, leaving enough milk in the pan to cover the entire bottom. Whisk the remainder until it's frothy. (I'm not too great at the frothing yet, which is why I only do it with a small amount. If you're a pro barista, feel free to froth some more.) Pour the frothy milk on top and sprinkle on some extra nutmeg and cinnamon. 

Alright so it doesn't exactly fit in with the clean eating thing that I've been doing lately but we all need a treat every once in a while, no? Perfect for sipping whilst curled up on the couch with a book and some sweet tunes. Enjoy!

xo,

e.m.