As the rest of the country fades to fall, life in Hawaii continues with sunshine, swimsuits and fresh pineapple.  Fall is my favorite time of year, and even though I can’t curl up in front of the fire or wear cozy sweaters, I am still adding pumpkin, apples & cinnamon to everything!

I have been craving a pumpkin spiced latte, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and make it without all the sugar and preservatives.  I came up with this creamer that can be added to coffee (iced or hot), tea, or steamed milk.  This creamer is not too sweet, but the maple extract adds a delicious fall flavor.  Maple extract is a great addition to your kitchen pantry, as it provides a rich flavor without the added sugar.  Homemade creamers are a simple way to improve your health and cut down on sugar.  Homemade creamers are not only cost effective, but also full of good fats and real food ingredients.

Happy October!

Dairy Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• whipped cream to garnish, optional but delicious!

Directions

• Place all ingredients in a blender.
• Blend for 10-15 seconds.  Scrape down the sides of the blender, and briefly blend again.
• Serve warm or add a few scoops to your morning coffee.  Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
• Store remaining creamer in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days.

Variations

• If you want a warm drink without the caffeine of coffee or tea, simply heat up the creamer recipe adding more milk or water to your desired taste.
• A scoop can be added to your morning coffee or hot tea.
• Tastes great with a spiced rooibos or chai tea.
• Serve chilled or with iced coffee/tea.