Pumpkin Spice Latte

Like many Starbucks lovers, I get giddy each fall when the PSL returns to stores. Unfortunately, they are far from slimming. Here is a recipe that I just tried (drinking it right now, in fact) that tastes delicious for about 1/3 of the calories. This makes 2 servings.

Ingredients:
4 tbls coffee
1 tbls pumpkin pie spice
2 1/2 cups of water
Light vanilla soy milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk OR cow's milk with a dash of vanilla extract

Steps:
1. Combine the coffee grounds and pumpkin pie spice. Use either a French press or a coffee machine with paper filters (other types of machines may clog from the spice).
2. Brew with 2 1/2 cups of water.
3. Split the coffee between two cups and fill the remainder with your milk. Enjoy!

Note: Depending on how hot you like your coffee, you can heat the milk in the microwave or in a pan on the stove.

Breakfast Smoothie

If you are often in a hurry in the mornings and don't have time to make yourself breakfast, this is a quick solution. The night before, add whatever fruit you want to make your smoothie from to you blender and place it in the refrigerator. The next morning, all you have to do is add a few ice cubes, push a button, and you have a healthy, nutritious, and portable breakfast.

Applesauce with Cranberries

If you're like me, you don't wake up in time to make yourself a full breakfast in the morning. This is a nice alternative to the usual oatmeal or cereal (and much better for you than most cereals!).
Process
Core and peel 4-5 large apples and place in a slow-cooker. Add 1 cup of cranberries and 1/2 cup of water. Cook on low heat for about 6 hours. Blend to smooth out the sauce and store in the fridge.

Not fond of cranberries or just want to mix things up? Try substituting half if your apples for pears! Don't have a slow cooker? You can cook this on the stove in a heavy soup pot with a lid instead.