Love in a Cup
Someone’s getting a little big for her britches.
Gigi has been in kindergarten for a week and three days, and today I realized she has been grooming me the whole time. Each day as we pull up or walk to the front of the school, she’ll make what I presumed was an off-hand remark.
“Oh look, there isn’t a free parking spot out front.”
or
“I better run ahead, I think I’m late!”
I didn’t think much of it. It never even dawned on me that she was trying to ditch me. That is, until today. As we pulled up to the school:
“Um, Mother, you can just drop me off.”
Pardon me? It took me 32 hours of labor to get you out. Where was that impatience and embarrassment to be seen with me then? I wasn’t about to let her blow me off that easy.
“But Mother, you can’t park here, it’s a loading zone!”
She made a good point, but I was willing to risk a ticket in order to feel useful. “It’s okay, Geeg, at least let me walk you to the door.”
“But it’s not the same,” she whined.
And then, though I was a little hurt by her persistence, she employed the ultimate secret weapon: vanity.
“Hey, it’s raining, Mother, and you’ll get your hair all wet!”
Advantage Gigi.
I don’t blame her. Independence is something that once you get your first taste of it, there’s no substitute for the real thing. Much like Libby’s pumpkin.
I know I’m not the only crazed person who has been stalking the aisles of every grocery store in a 45-mile radius looking for the real stuff. The orange, creamy pumpkin like no other.
This can is such a poser.
Sure, you are organic. Sure, you live at Whole Foods (which, in fact, I would like to do). But you are not America’s favorite pumpkin.
Because I had pumpkin on my brain, because I had been rejected by my oldest child and because it was raining, I thought it was as good as any time for a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Starbucks’ version isn’t vegan and it isn’t cheap. I am both. Lucky for me, sometimes there is a substitute for the real thing.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 1 c. strongly brewed coffee (can use flavored variety, if desired)
- 3/4 c. non-dairy milk
- 1 T. non-dairy vanilla creamer
- 2 T. canned pumpkin
- 1/2 t. cinnamon
- 1/4 t. ginger
- 1/4 t. ground nutmeg
- dash garam masala (optional; this is an Indian spice that gives it a nice little kick)
- stevia to taste
Brew your coffee using 1 T. of ground coffee for each 6 oz. of water. Be generous. If this is going to take the place of espresso, we’ve got to use all the help we can get.
I also use the strongest setting my coffee pot allows.
If we are going to grocery shop, play Cootie with someone who lacks the coordination to roll a dice, and pick Gigi up from school, we’ve got to use all the help we can get.
Combine remaining ingredients in a microwave-safe measuring cup.
Heat milk/pumpkin/spice mixture until it is very hot, about a minute and a half in the microwave .You could also do this on the stove-top, but I’d rather risk radiation exposure than dirty a pot. I’ve got my priorities in order.
Pour mixture into a high speed blender.
Blend on high until mixture is fully incorporated and frothy.
Pour frothy pumpkin milk into a large coffee cup.
A very large coffee cup. If we are going to heat up leftovers, do the dinner dishes, read stories and blog while pretending not to watch Tosh.0, we’ve got to use all the help we can get.
Pour freshly brewed coffee into pumpkin milk and gently stir.
Top with pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Pumpkin Pie in a Cup did a pretty good job of distracting me from feeling unneeded and unloved. I did, however, find myself Googling “pregnancy after back surgery.” Then I cleared my computer’s history faster than a high school sophomore in Computer Science class and went to find Lulu.
At least someone still needs me to teach them how to patiently guide them, to teach them how to read, to do their hair.
But then Gigi got home. She’s got this covered.
Sniff, sniff. I’ll open another can of pumpkin. I’ve got eight more.
Oh Mama. Dontcha worry, she’s gonna graduate from college and come crawling home for food, shelter, and pumpkin spice lattes…not that I know anything about that.
That’s decaf coffee, right?
I’m sorry, when did the girls both jump in age by like 3 years?????? I swear they look so much older lately!!! I can’t believe Gigi and those excuses, lol. I do in fact believe Fridays are the perfect day for a little pumpkin spice in your life. Ahhhh! And then you realize you’re out of pumpkin. I’ll be over in 16hrs
I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but Gigi looks so grown up! She’ll always be your little girl though
Have i ever told you how glad i am that you post at the times that you do? Apparently i am turning into an owl and find that i am 40 times more productive at reading/working at night and reading your posts before i get started is just the right amount of laughter and motivation i need! This was such a well put together post, and i was laughing the whole way through. Is Libby’s actually better than farmer’s market? I believe you, i just find the latter hard to beat, but maybe that is because i cannot buy canned pumpkin within 50 miles of my house and whenever i make the 4-day excursion to the nearest Whole Foods, that is obviously my first choice. I have been finding local pie pumpkins and roasting them myself lately though, doesn’t really compare, but it comes close and i get to eat the seeds as well!
Almost bought those shoes today, until i realized that shipping to Canada would mean i would have to subsist on $20 for food for the rest of the month…hah. I so appreciate it though, and maybe i will get them sent to my dad’s. P.S. Gigi is looking more grown up every week! I bet it is crazy for you to see how quickly she has changed! Maybe Lulu will stay that age forever, i’ll cross my fingers for you 
I can’t believe Gigi is so grown-up already! I love that she used the rain against you; protecting my hair would keep me indoors too lol! And I love Lulu’s crazy mane!
im actually drooling.
ps hair in rain threats would have me hiding out in the car too.
thank you so much for this!! i just found out the sbux pumpkin spice wasn’t vegan and almost cried.
i’m so jealous of the whole american pumpkin thing – in the UK we definitely aren’t as pumpkin crazy and i can never seem to buy canned pumpkin anywhere. Such a shame, because i’ve been reading both yours and CaitlinHTP’s recipies and they all look so delicious!
Yay for pumpkin puree! I finally managed to track it down as well… but the price has been hiked since last year. It’s worth the extra buck per can
.
Your pumpkin spice latte sounds fabulous, and I am going to make it sometime this weekend. Ok, maybe multiple times this weekend!
Just made the pumpkin latte this a.m. and it is WONDERFUL! Thank you, thank you, thank you for a recipe I will use over and over again
Okay, this sounds incredible. I have to admit, I don’t know if I would ever have the motivation to actually make it though. As good as this looks, Starbux Pumpkin Spice latte sounds so much easier. Haha, but yours looks soooooo much better. I think it just gave me enough motivation.
Ohhh!!!! Thank you for this recipe! I think I love you even more now. I can sub in for Gigi while shes in school
Oh, wow, I thought little girls didn’t start ditching their moms until middle school. Kindergarten! That’s final–my 2-year-old will not be allowed to go!!
I have had um, 5? pumpkin spiced lattes from SB this fall @ 4.95 a pop. Your recipe would surely save my wallet some, so I need to try it. I’m curious-what’s not vegan in the soy version?
Maryea, there is sweetened condensed milk in the Pumpkin Spice syrup!
Ha, aw. Perhaps it says something about my maturity, or the lack thereof, that I stayed glued to my mommy’s side well into the later years of grade school when she dropped me off. Also, no parking zone? Wow. Growing up and going to high school in NYC is truly a singular experience — I have no idea what it was like to even have a lawn in front of my school!
You know I’m all over this: pumpkin + coffee? Please. (Scurries to pantry.)
what a great idea to make your own, i may have to try this!
Oh Mama – it’s going to be okay. I can’t wait to see Gigi in 10 years – for real.
At least you’ve got little Lulu still! I have stocked up on my pumpkin and have been sad because I can’t have Starbuck’s pumpkin latte – guess what’s on my breakfast list for tomorrow morning!!! Thanks lady!
aw, mama pea! you’re most definitely loved
i am on my way downstairs to find some pumpkin and make this latte. HOLY yum!
Mama Pea, I envy you so much right now! I have been looking for the McCormick Gourmet Garam Masala for about a year now and can never find it in a store! Did you order it or do they actually stock it where you shop? (it is absolutely the best blend I’ve used and I miss it…)
They stock it in our local Safeway. I never shop there though and I bought this about two years ago (I know, it’s not fresh, but who uses THAT much garam masala?!)
tee hee…I DO.
I’m still on the hunt for Libby’s pumpkin around here. You better believe I will buy every can on the shelf. My oldest will go to kindergarten next year and my heart already hurts a little. Luckily her younger brother, aka ‘the juggernaut,’ will be home with me to keep me insane, I mean company.
Aww, Mama Pea! I still need you! I need you to keep guiding me with your beautiful/wonderful/hilarious posts! =)
Sarah-
I’ve been a long time reader though don’t normally comment. But i couldn’t resist this morning because I just opened my second can of Farmer’s Market Pumpkin ( 1)because it is organic and 2)because I couldn’t find any Libby’s in stores again here until recently) but anyway, I totally agree that it is NO substitute to Libby’s. I just topped my cereal with a dollop of the Farmer’s Market stuff and I couldn’t even eat it. I read this post immediately after and just laughed out loud because it is too true! Back to Libby’s it is!
I’ve got two cans of Farmer’s Market in my pantry. I’ve got to start thinking of how I’m going to get rid of these bad boys.
Haha! I’m with you honey. I have 6 cans of pumpkin (2 the organic imposter) and 2 cans of pumpkin pie filling in my cabinet right now. I have more pumpkin on hand than baby wipes! All bought in the last 3 days. Plus, my mother-in-law has 2 cans for me that she got on the eastern shore….yep, I have all my feelers out!
Too cute about Gigi. I’m just waiting for that to happen with my Sam.
I laughed so hard during this post. Wouldn’t we all love to live in Whole Foods? I need to find me some pumpkin
Run (don’t walk!) to your nearest Costco! I was at the one in Tigard on Wednesday and they definitely had their 3-pack of Libby’s for $5.99. I’m just sayin’…
Right when fall hits all I want is pumpkin spice everything. I think this weekend after I take the GRE I am going to have to make my first batch of homemade pumpkin butter. Have you ever made pumpkin butter before? I’m trying to figure out the best way to sweeten it up without going crazy with the brown sugar. Input?
Pumpkin 3 packs? Awesome! I am so there. I haven’t made pumpkin butter before, but I will add that to my to do list. Less sugar? Maybe add a little apple juice concentrate to the mix? And of course there is the agave or maple syrup route. You have my little wheels a turnin’!
Hi! I read your blog often but this is my first comment!
Your girls are SO adorable, and your blog is so funny and heartwarming. The pic of Gigi going into school by herself almost made me tear up!
That pumpkin spice latte sounds great! I make my own versions at home too, but usually they just involve frothed milk, pumpkin spice, and coffee. I never thought of using actual pumpkin.
(maybe that is because I am hoarding my pumpkin) I can’t even find the poser cans at my grocery store…
Thank you so much for saying hello, Jamie, and all of your blog love!
“you’ll get your hair all wet!” – we can always pull that card on my mom, too
Your latte looks so good! I love the idea of using the garam masala for a little extra spice.
Ahhhh this looks so good. Never been much a fan of the ‘bucks’ version anyway, and this looks so much better
I can’t wait to try this Pumpkin Spiced Latte. I’m to cheap to spring for the real deal myself!
ah, they grow up so fast. but don’t worry, we’ll still call you everyday; even when we live just 100+ miles away and can visit frequently. and will still ask you to buy trash bags for them.
gigi is really blossoming into her own … well … she’s always kind of been her own. she’s so brave and independent, everything you’re raising her to be. so see mama pea, she didn’t ditch you, she’s exemplifying all of those wonderful traits you’re teaching her.
my favorite line in this post (you always give me one) is this, and i quote, “Pardon me? It took me 32 hours of labor to get you out. Where was that impatience and embarrassment to be seen with me then?” LOL!!!!!!
As soon as Libby’s shows up (I’ve been stalking too!!) I’m getting on these delicious beverages
I love that Gigi wants some independence–I’m a pre-K teacher and I see these kids getting a little more independent as each school day goes on. It’s a good thing, I promise. Nothing will ever substitute her mommy–I’m sure she is busting at the seams to tell you everything that happened each and every day when she gets home 
wanna know why libby’s taste different?
not made with pumpkin!
so not kidding.
it’s dickinson field squash. google it, it looks more like a butternut or something. THATS why it tastes different. (libby’s calls it “dickinson pumpkin”)
and there’s your food trivia for the day
Thanks, Kalin! Pea D is going to be very confused when I start planing a Dickinson field squash patch in our backyard.
The picture of Gigi trying to be taller in the first picture is priceless.
The pumpkin spice latte looks absolutely fabulous!!
Libby’s is the best! I found some at my Walmart grocery over the weekend so I bought 10 cans. I thought I would never see it again!! You are so right, that WF organic pumpkin is just not the same. It’s actually very disappointing.
Love the latte recipe, I’m going to have to make that soon! I hate that Starbucks syrup isn’t vegan but I guess that saves me some $$$.
there ain’t nothing like libby’s…or seeing the pea family on video.
i loved it all.
and love you.
around this weekend? let’s chatty chat chat!
whoa- actually made me tear up this morning! Thanks also for the recipe – I have been holding off on the pumpkin spiced lattes and now I am glad I have – even with soy milk they aren’t vegan?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is sweetened condensed milk in the Pumpkin Spice syrup!
I’m going to have to try this!! I have some Chai concentrate at home I can mix with some Rice milk and pumpkin. Can’t wait!!
Haha! She’s so young to want to ditch you! I didn’t figure out that I should be ditching my mom til high school when she decided it was a good idea to wear a hideous hot pink track suit every time she drove me somewhere. My brother and I still tease her about that track suit!
I love your pumpkin spice latte recipe. Must make that immediately!
I am totally going to try that Pumpkin Spice latte after work..looks delicious. Gigi is too adorable!
xoxoxo
Wow – I cannot wait to try this pumpkin coffee. Thanks!
i CAN’T BELIEVE HOW GROWN UP THEY ARE GETTINGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
and i want that pumpkin spice latte!!!
You are such an amazing writer! Every post is like a little short story.
I enjoy each and every one!
Thanks so much, Annie. I really love writing this blog. I’m glad you enjoy it too.
What a sweet and funny post. Gigi is too funny:)
Considering I am absolutely obsessed with pumpkin spice lattes, I am loving yours – I most definitely will be trying it. You’re amazing!!
aaawww
I think I would have burst into tears. Good thing I don’t have babies. I cried at my nephews football game when someone hit him really hard and it looked like his lip was quivering. I’m a wuss! You made lemonade out of lemons though and took it as an opportunity to CREATE! Keep going!
I am with ya on the pumpkin selection. Libby’s is at my WF and I choose it every time.
Your posts make my day! I have a 5 yr old who began kindergarten a month ago. It is very tough letting go. Also, I love your recipes. The vegan black bean burgers are fabulous!
Yuummmm, this looks incredible, I love that I can now make these at home without having spend $4 dollars. I’m definitely going to make this ASAP. THank you, again, for providing us with awesome new recipe ideas!
Don’t worry, there will be a day when she wants you to walk with her. For now just sit back and enjoy your pumpkin spice lattes. If I was a coffee drinker i would be joining you. Have a great day.
perfect weekend treat! These will for sure be on the agenda tomorrow! THANKS!
I’ve been using the pumpkins I grew in my garden, which taste like the organic WF pumpkin. It’s good, but not Libby’s. I need to find some NOW! This looks fantastic… but makes me want an espresso machine!
It is definitely time I stocked up on pumpkin! Haven’t seen it yet but I need to keep my eyes peeled. Unfortunately 7,999,999 other New Yorkers seem to have the same idea. Your latte sounds sooo good. I would throw in some cloves too because I’m wacky like that.
Awww, this reminds me of my own first days of kindergarten and first grade. Both years, my mother implored me to wear HER first day of school dress (which was a lovely, classic blue plaid dress), and I refused so that I could wear some paint-splattered, fabulously hideous 80s ensemble. I know now that she was devastated. But then, two years later, my little sister fulfilled her dreams and wore the dress. I hated my little sister that day.
Yes, I can’t wait to make that latte! I am vacationing with my parents at the jersey shore, and they think I am crazy for coming home from the grocery store with 5 jumbo cans of pumpkin. I tried to explain that this stuff has been unavailable for the last year, but they think I am nuts. Especially since I have to lug it back home to DC too.
My daughter ditched me the 3rd day of Kindergarten
Day 1 she was attached to my legs, day 2 she gave me a high 5 at the door, day 3 she ran in just as fast as her older brother :/.
Jen
http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/
I ordered a whole case of pumpkin off of Amazon. I couldn’t find any anywhere! I used 4 cans within a 24 hours time period!
Poor Mamapea getting ditched by mini-pea!! Your drink creation looks great, though!
libby’s pumpkin is back on shelves?!
Just made this pumpkin coffee recipe today….and it’s fantastic. Thanks for the ideas!
Aww…no matter what she’ll always be your little girl and like someone else said, she’ll always come back to you for love, advice, support, encouragement and everything else. To this day I don’t know where I’d be without my mom…she’s my best friend and I know Gigi and Lulu will always consider you the same!
I’m not a coffee drinker but I have to admit that pumpkin spiced latte looks pretty darned good! I will admit that I am a HUGE fan of the smell…I can only imagine. Are you a Tosh fan? Chris DVRs that show all the time…I’m always telling him how much I don’t like the guy and then I find myself laughing and also pretending not to watch.
Even though Gigi doesn’t “need” you, MamaP, we readers all do! We love you!
Cute post! Two of my “babies” are teens, so I can relate. Way ahead of you on the pumpkin latte. I made my first pumpkin latte of the season a couple weeks ago. I used your recipe from last year.
Mama Pea, you are officially my hero! I was going to get my weekend sbux fix at the grocery store today and saw this post. I definitely could stand to save some money these days so I bought a can of libby’s instead and just made this recipe! You are pretty much amazing – thank you!
Wonderful! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
No you didn’t! So excited to try this pumpkin spice latte!
Aww, I still remember doing that to my mom when dropping me off when I was in 1st grade. I feel so bad thinking about it but I guess it’s all part of growing up.
That pumpkin spice latte sounds FABULOUS!
MamaPea, this is amazingly good! Thank you for sharing your recipe with us!!
I love reading your blog and don’t comment here as much as I should. I am a dedicated stay home mom too and I have all the appreciation for your stories!
I have tried some of your recipes and they are always delicious – I made your granola bars the other day and they were really good, my 8 yeard old son loved it too and asked if he could have those as snack for school.
Now, this pumpkin latte is awesome! First time I made I drank just the milk, it was so good I loved having it that way. Next day I made the whole deal and it was even better!
Thanks again, love reading your post and stories, your girls are cute and I like the way you write!
Thank you, Ana! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This looks delicious! I love pumpkin spiced lattes but they are so dang expensive! I can’t wait to make this at home. Thanks!
Love your blog by the way!
yessss i love when you make something that looks so good and i have every single ingredient (and kitchen appliance hehe) cant wait to make this! lovee breakfast blend.and pumpkin. and fall. ahhh
i need this in my life!! it sounds so good and not too sweet!!
I just found your blog recently. I LOVE it!!! I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. Both boys! I live in an opposite world from the girlie-ness happening at your place. They are precious!!!
Homemade pumpkin spice latte- yes please!!
Just made this with some homemade pumpkin butter (made from Libby’s, of course) instead of the sweetener, pumpkin puree, and spices. Tasted just as good! Thanks Mama Pea!
I have been on the search for canned pumpkin for 3 weeks now…still no luck. Now after seeing your recipe for the pumpkin spice latte, I am going to be on a MAD hunt for the it.
)
I’m new to your blog and have to say…I love it! Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Michelle! I found a 3 pack at Costco of the HUGE cans last week. Maybe you have a Costco near you? Good luck!!!
best recipe. best mom. best kids. love.it.
Well first of all, your daughters are so beautiful! Cute, cute, cute. Don’t worry about the rejection, she’ll need you lots more before she finally grows up!
But hey, I just found your blog, and this looks amazing! I have got to make that latte! Now, mind you, I don’t know if I need that much of a frothy drink in the early morning when I have my actual coffee, but I bet it would be great mixed with Teechino for dessert, or in the afternoon. Actually, I wonder, does it need the coffee at all, or what about a double batch all on its own for dessert?
I’m SO glad you came up with/posted this recipe! Starbucks is such a guilty pleasure and I know I waste too much money there (especially when the holiday flavors come out). I guarantee I’ll be making a homemade pumpkin spice latte at least once a week throughout the winter! THANKS!
Im so excited to try this. I Love Love Love pumpkin spice lattes. You’ve inspired me to come up with a gingerbread latte. Why didn’t I think of this before?!?
~ Kelly Marie
Im so excited to try this. I Love Love Love pumpkin spice lattes. You’ve inspired me to come up with a gingerbread latte. Why didn’t I think of this before?!?
Ooh, I’ve got a good gingerbread one too. I’ll pull that out after Thanksgiving!
I can’t get over how creative you are! I never would have thought to put pureed pumpkin into a beverage (why, I don’t know), but I have leftover pumpkin from my breakfast yesterday just sitting in the fridge waiting to be made into THIS. Thank you!
Mmm…enjoy!
Just tried this(it’s almost Fall!), delicious and totally satisfies the starbuck’s craving. I actually like it better cause it’s not as sweet.
I have been dreaming about this recipe lately.
The recipe is genius! So delicious! Thanks for sharing!
oh my word! you are going to save me tons of money at starbucks! thank you for this yummy recipe! you are my new best friend!
have a happy fall!
Yay, I love new best friends. Enjoy!!!
The “Farmer’s Market” Organic Pumpkin was on sale this week at my local grocery store for like 20cents less than Libby’s. I remembered this post, but thought, “Eh, how bad can it be? Plus, it IS Organic!” I made a pumpkin smoothie this morning and it was SO not the same! That can is definitely a poser. Libby’s all the way.
Ahh Libby. You taunt us with your deliciousness.
I’ve tried to make my own pumpkin spice latte, but it never seemed as good as the one from starbucks. My pumpkin never really mixed properly and my spices always clumped, but I will try to blend it all together next time I try it. Yours looks sooo good. Mine never look that good. Trying the blender trick TODAY!
I tried it last night and I loved it! I accidently got too much ginger, so it was a tad spicier than it should have been, but it was still really good! You make recipes and cooking fun! Thank you!
Thanks, Gwen. So happy you enjoyed!