Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Spring is nearly upon us but it is pretty bipolar here. It snowed last week yet it was on the weekend so no snow days. Yay. The other day the winds were so extreme that Whistler shut down early and my Dad almost didn't make it home. But today it is sunny enough for a walk in a t-shirt. Too bad I was wearing the shirt that said "Between the cheek 8 bucks." I have no idea where the shirt came from but it is the best sleep/walk shirt. For once I dam the sun for making me take my sweater off.

Little story time. Near my house, on the lake, there used to be a prison. It was taken down the year I was born. While this always seemed awesome to me, my parents informed me it was dangerous in the years leading up to the closure. Thirteen high risk prisoners managed to escape in one day. How is that possible?! Even Shawshank style would be difficult with thirteen. Needless to say, three years later it was gone. How does this relate to hot chocolate? It doesn't. How have I gone so long without this? My brain automatically thinks of ways to add peanut butter to everything and it seems hot chocolate is the natural next step and it was brilliant.  

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 tbsp smooth peanut butter

4 tsp sugar

1 tbsp cocoa

huge pinch of cinnamon

1 cup milk

In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, sugar, cocoa and cinnamon. Mix until combined. Add the milk. Place over medium heat. Whisk until the mixture is combined and nice and hot. Top with marshmallows. Serves 1.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

I'm pretty out of season these days. I keep going for the big and heavy desserts, meals and drinks. I mean I have gone to the rodeo, had some lemonade and other such Summer activities, don't get me wrong. But these fall treats never seem out of place to me. They are really year round for me.

When I had this yesterday morning, pride overwhelmed me. Starbucks coffee alone is not really my thing. The blended drinks on the other hand, heaven. The vanilla lattes and the frappuccinos keep me going. That is one summer thing that I always miss, the frappuccinos. So much so, that I started them again in February. Now knowing that I can make my own latte that is a near replica, it saves me a ten minute walk. Just wait till I find out how to make frapppuccinos!

Pumpkin Spice Latte
From the Kitchn
 
1 cup skim milk 
1 tbsp canned pumpkin
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice*
1 shot espresso, about 2 tbsp (strong brewed coffee works too)

In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice. Whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk until it gets a bit more foamy. Pour into a mug. Add the espresso on top. Admire your good work and drink up.

*For the pumpkin pie spice, mix 1/8 tsp cinnamon, 1/16 ginger and small pinches of nutmeg and allspice. Or use pumpkin pie spice mix should you have it on hand.