With fall comes the addition of seasonal coffee drinks to menus in every coffeehouse…even in my small hometown. Unfortunately, no one offers almond milk as a sub for cow’s milk or soy milk, so I rarely get anything except regular coffee or tea. So, I was pretty excited when I found a instructions for homemade pumpkin spice latte.
pumpkin spice latte :: adapted from the kitchn [makes 2 servings]
Ingredients:
2 cups almond milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or combo of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves)
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee-preferably fair trade or comparable (1 tablespoon/6 oz water)
Directions:
Combine first 3 ingredients and cook on medium heat until steaming. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and spices. Blend in a blender (make sure you leave a little airspace by the lid to prevent an explosion), or use a hand blender. Pour into mugs, and add expresso on top.
This was pretty much amazing and cost a fraction of what you’d pay anywhere else.
Fall is a great time to start thrifting for foodie-related holiday gifts, so I thought I’d write a little tutorial for you newbies.
Many of you may be wondering which kitchen items are best purchased in the thrifting environment. Are those flaking cast iron pans really a good buy? Will used silverware kill you?
Here are some of the best items to search for when thrifting:
- Vintage pyrex dishes: Extremely stylish, durable, and usually affordable.
- Kitchen accessories: Ideas include potato mashers, spoon rests, cake stands, and silverware.
- Appliances: I once found a barely used bread machine (retails for upwards of $50) for a mere $10. Cha-ching!
- Mugs, cups, bowls, and plates: Found in many patterns and sizes, these are great first-apartment finds.
Questions to ask before purchasing an item:
- Is it clean or easily cleanable?
- Durable?
- Are there signs of excessive wear and tear?
- Does it cost less than the current retail value?
Another reason to thrift? It’s my favorite form of recycling. For those of you who don’t live an area where kitchen finds abound, check out Etsy’s collection of vintage housewares. Also, check out the ex-roommate’s Etsy store, Happy Go Vintage!
Do you thrift? What have been your fave thrifted finds?
p.s. congrats to marathonmaiden, who won the Lucini Italia giveaway! Thanks to everyone who entered, and thank you to Lucini Italia for their generosity!
