I can’t begin to tell you how crazy I can get when it comes to pumpkin.  It is so comforting to the soul.  And I can’t seem to get enough of it.

Speaking of comfort and the feeling you get in your soul, today I was actually blessed with something so profound that I just had to share it with everyone.  In between ooey gooey caramel recipes, and the stress of everyday life, you come across something/someone special that you never even realized the impact.

I met a former colleague for lunch today.  We had not seen each other in 20 years.  Thanks to FB, we reconnected.  She told me a story that resoneted deep within her.  She mentioned a conversation that she and I had 20 years ago.  At that time I had mentioned to her that she had a wonderful way with words.  She said she never actually believed that to be true at the time.   Many years after that conversation lead her to writing a couple of books.  And she shared them with me!. What a gift.  One is entitled The Miracle of Christmas, A Child Is Born.  The other is A Collection Of Reflections To Encourage Your Heart.  All because I told her she had a way with words.

Yes, we cried!  Happy tears.  I never thought that my kind words to her would plant the seed that lead her down the path of writing these two pieces.  I wish her well in this endeavor and hope she can get her works published.  Thank you God for letting me be the kind person that I am.  I truly feel blessed!

So enjoy what you love.  Eat, Drink and be Merry.

I love food.  I also love new finds like this new bottle of Madagascar Pure Bourbon Vanilla Paste that I just purchased.  You will never go back to extract after you try this.  It’s called paste, but it’s more like a really thick syrup.

I love salted caramels.  So I thought why not try to make a salted caramel latte with PUMPKIN.

Here is my version, lighted up.  Make this your little “cup” of heaven!

Ingredients

Serves 2

3 PP per serving

• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 2 Tablespoons canned pumpkin, (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 Tablespoon caramel flavored ice cream topping like Smuckers
• 1 Tablespoon Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 8 ounces fresh brewed coffee
• 2 Tablespoons light whipped cream
• 1/8 tsp. sea salt

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin, caramel, vanilla, and spice.

Stir until the mixture comes to a very small boil.

Remove from the heat immediately and place into a blender.

Pulse for about 2 minutes or until very frothy.

Pour the coffee into a mug. Top with whip cream, drizzle some caramel and sea salt.

I seriously can’t think of a better drink to start my day.  I do believed I am hooked.  If you come over for a cup of Joe, I will make one for you.  Who’s in?