IT SEEMS that September definitely got the autumnal memo as Brits armed themselves with an extra layer and an umbrella this week.
But while the soggy start of September might be less than appealing but it does bring the return of the PSL – that’s pumpkin spice latte.
Making a pumpkin spice latte at home could save you loads this autumn[/caption]
However, while delicious, the popular autumn drink doesn’t come cheap.
The retail price of a Tall Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks comes in £4.65 but according to Pricelisto you can make a homemade one costing just £1.25 or £1.33 if using a plant-based milk alternative based on ingredients bought from Aldi.
So if you’re looking for something to warm your cockles for less, read on…
Ingredient List:
- Whole Milk/Plant-based alternative – price per 236mls £0.36/£0.44
- Pumpkin – price per 1 tbsp £0.02
- Instant Coffee – price per 30mls £0.34
- Granulated Sugar – price per 1 tbsp £0.01
- Vanilla Extract – price per 7mls £0.29
- Ground Cinnamon – price per pinch £0.01
- Ground Ginger – price per pinch £0.01
- Ground Nutmeg – price per pinch £0.20
- Ground Clove – price per pinch £0.01
Method (for one serving)
Pre-heat your oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with parchment.
Cut your pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds – you can keep these to roast or discard.
Brush the inside of the pumpkin with vegetable oil (optional) and place cut side down on the baking tray. Pierce the skin with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place into the oven and roast for 40-50 minutes or until a fork can pierce the skin with ease. Allow to cool.
Once the pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh and place into a food processor. Puree the pumpkin till smooth – you can add a few drops of water if the machine is having trouble pureeing.
When ready to make the latte, add the milk, pumpkin puree and sugar to a saucepan and heat over medium. Do not boil this mixture, as the milk can curdle.
Once the mixture has heated through, add in the spices, vanilla extract and freshly brewed 30mls of coffee.
Stir and then pour into a mug and enjoy!
Why is everyone obsessed with Pumpkin Spice?
Pumpkin spice has become a cultural phenomenon, a staple flavour and scent as autumn begins.
No surprise, it originated from America, referencing the pumpkin spice mix used to flavour Thanksgiving’s pumpkin pie.
Matt Johnson, PhD explained the psychology behind our obsession with pumpkin spice. He said: “With each passing fall season, pumpkin spice becomes more and more iconic.
“The flavour and scent [have] become inextricably tied to memories of autumn, Christmas holidays and traditions, creating an emotional connection that brands capitalise on.”
The professor explained how the general flavour or pumpkin spice is “rooted in the seasonal foods we typically enjoy during autumn”, and has become so iconic, it returns bigger and better every year.
Not only does it impact food and drinks, but autumnal interior design has exploded over the past few years, and households actively decorate their houses with seasonal displays.