and we do it pretty well.

living in the boondocks god’s country northern wisconsin, the nearest starbucks is exactly 64.3 miles away….i used to have one just down the street. although i gave up coffee last year (and would never trade in my current life/home in the country), i would love to have access to chai tea lattes, tiramisu cake pops, breakfast sandwiches, and all the bakery items once in a while. i have a few gift cards burning holes in my wallet, just waiting to be used.

once i am able to wear my riding boots and fall layers, i crave fall foods….especially pumpkin. i’ve been making pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin cream cheese to top pumpkin bagels, pumpkin molasses cookies, pumpkin in yogurt. i couldn’t get starbucks pumpkin scones and a pumpkin chai tea latte out of my head last week…so on friday we made them for breakfast. and now i’m craving them again….

pumpkin chai latte (adapted from kitchen simplicity)
1 cup milk (i used almond milk)
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
pinch ground cinnamon
pinch ground ginger
pinch ground cloves
crack of freshly ground black pepper
pinch of salt
1 black tea bag

mix together all ingredients, except for tea, in a small saucepan. bring to just barely a simmer, stirring occasionally. remove from heat, drop in tea bag and let steep for 4 minutes. remove teabag and serve immediately. garnish with cinnamon.

starbucks pumpkin scones (food.com)
2 cups all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1 large egg