Pumpkin pumpkin pumpkin

If you haven't gathered by now I am a huge fan of pumpkin. Once the first taste of fall hits I am at the store buying up all the cans of pumpkin I can find. There is just something so wonderful about this sweet vegetable that I can't get enough of.
Being pregnant last fall was really hard on me because even the smell of pumpkin made me sick. So I am very happy that this aversion is gone an I can now enjoy this fall to the fullest.
I have a few pumpkin recipes to share with you all. First up, whole wheat pumpkin pancakes. A friend gave me this recipe and I just adjusted it a little to suit our needs.

Pumpkin pancakes
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin
4 tablespoons maple syrup
1 egg, beaten well
2 tablespoons melted butter

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl combine the wet ingredients. Add the wet to the dry and stir until just combined.
Makes about 15 pancakes depending on how large you make them.

Of course not much goes better with breakfast than a latte. So here is my homemade version of Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. Nothing can really beat their recipe but this one is a healthier and delicious substitute.

PSL recipe {this recipe makes 1 16oz latte or 2 8 oz ones}
1 cup pumpkin
2 cups milk (I use 2%)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 packet instant coffee (or 2 oz. espresso)
Add the first 4 ingredients together in a pot whisking until steaming. Then take a fine strainer and pour the hot liquid over it. (You want to make sure to do this step or your latte will have pumpkin pie consistency). Add strained milk to instant coffee, i buy the starbucks via packets and use them for this when i dont want to get the espresso machine out, and stir well. If you want to feel extra special top with whipped cream :)
If you want to make this ahead you can the night before and then just heat the milk in the microwave and add your coffee in the morning.

I did find one thing in the store the other day that is also a great way to enjoy pumpkin spice coffee for those days I'm really lazy and want a super quick latte. They are quite delicious and you can add more milk than it calls for and still get the pumpkin spice latte taste. Have you guys seen these in your store yet? Instant deliciousness: