Res Hall Recipes: Three pumpkin spice latte inspired recipes

By DELLA HETHCOX

Study breaks at coffee shops can be delightful, as you work on projects and essays with a seasonal latte in hand. However, if you are like most college students, drinking expensive coffees every day is not always an option, especially if those pastries by the registers are just as tempting.

For fewer than 10 dollars, here are three pumpkin spice recipes that you can easily create in your residence hall kitchen and give your wallet a vacation. With a little effort, you can create pumpkin spice oatmeal, a hearty breakfast to get you through a long day of classes. While you are doing that, you can quickly whip up a homemade pumpkin spice latte without the trip to Starbucks.

Or, do you need to decompress on the weekend? Easy pumpkin muffins are the perfect way to relax, and to share with the rest of your hall. Just head to the grocery store to pick up these few simple ingredients.

-Overnight Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal-

Ingredients: ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup milk or water, 3-5 tablespoons of canned pumpkin, cinnamon, handful of raisins or nuts

This recipe does require some preparation, but if you have got a few minutes before bed, mix all the ingredients in a tupperware and stick it in the refrigerator. By the time you wake up, breakfast is ready.

(Severing size: one person)

1 In a tupperware (or a Mason jar), mix all the ingredients. Refrigerate for at least five hours, or overnight.

2 If needed, add more liquid (try a non-dairy milk such as chocolate almond) before eating.

-Two-ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins ingredients: one 18 oz. box of spice cake mix and a 15 oz. can of pumpkin-

If you do not have a muffin tin, try looking at Big Lots or the Dollar Tree. You might even try checking them for the cake mix or the canned pumpkin as well, you would be surprised at what they carry. These muffins are a fantastic study food, or a quick breakfast if you are running late. Add nuts or chopped dry fruit to make them heartier. Store in an airtight container.

1 Mix the canned pumpkin and the cake mix together, until well combined.

2 Spoon into lined muffin tins until ⅔ fulls, smooth the tops of the muffins.

3 Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean.

4 Let cool.

5 Optional: add maple frosting, if you have a sweet tooth.

-Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte-

Ingredients: 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, ¼ cup espresso (either instant or brewed)

Grab your favorite mug and head to the kitchen, because this drink is worth making. Not only does it save you money, but you do not even have to leave your residence hall to have your favorite beverage.

1 Combine and simmer a ½ cup of milk, sugar, pumpkin, spices and vanilla in a small saucepan over low heat. After five minutes, add remaining ½ cup of milk.

2 Pour through a strainer to remove excess pumpkin pulp. Return the liquid to the pan and simmer another two minutes, stirring the entire time.

3 Add the espresso and whisk until frothy.

4 Pour into your favorite mug, add some whip cream and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.