Make a pumpkin spice latte at home (photo © Krups USA).

Want to develop latte art skills? All you need is a steady hand, some perfectly foamed milk, and of course, practice!

For Halloween and the Thanksgiving season, try this Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe, courtesy of Krups.

Here’s the simple recipe; the technique for making latte art is below.

> Pumpkin Spice Day is October 1st.
 
 
PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE RECIPE

Ingredients

Preparation

1. In a coffee mug, combine espresso coffee with flavored syrup.

2. Pour in steamed milk and frothed milk and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and vanilla powder.

MAKE LATTE ART

Now it’s time to try your hand at latte art. You’ll need a steaming pitcher—the kind that comes with espresso/cappuccino machines—or a milk frother shown in the photo, from Krups, which creates smooth, velvety milk foam at the touch of a button.

Step 1: Pour enough cold milk for one cup into the steaming pitcher. Steam milk with the wand deep in the pitcher, then directing the milk in a counterclockwise fashion until the liquid heats to 150°F. Or, simply push the button on a milk frother.

Step 2: Allow the milk to sit while you add one or two shots of freshly brewed espresso to a coffee mug. Use a conventional mug with curved sides; the art doesn’t work well with squares and other shapes.

Step 3: Swirl the milk vigorously. If you see any bubbles, tap the pitcher on the counter several times and go back to swirling the milk for 20 to 30 seconds.

Step 4: Slowly start pouring the milk into the espresso, first in a circular pattern around the edge of the cup. Slowly move toward the center as the foam rises.

A milk frother makes perfect steamed milk in seconds. Photo courtesy Krups.

To create a leaf pattern: When your cup reaches half full, the foam will start to rise. Move the pitcher backwards as you pour, while moving the mug from side to side. The motion of your hand creates a leaf pattern in the top of your latte. When you reach the end of the cup, pour a small stream of milk right through the middle of the leaf pattern. Beware of using a large amount of milk; it will scatter the design.
 
To create a heart pattern: Shake your hand as you would in making leaf. However, instead of moving backwards, keep your hand in the same general area, focusing on making a ringed circle.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Here’s a video demonstration of how it’s done.

Find more of our favorite coffee recipes and pounds of coffee information in our Gourmet Coffee Section.