Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Place 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée,1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and a generous helping of black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it's hot and smells cooked, about 2 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and stir until the mixture looks like a bubbly, thick syrup.

Whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract and warm gently, stirring often and watching carefully to make sure it doesn't boil over.

Carefully process the mixture with a hand blender or in a traditional blender (hold the lid down tightly with a thick wad of towels!) until frothy and blended.

Make the espresso (about 1/4 cup) or strong coffee (1/3 to 1/2 cup) and divide between 2 mugs. Add the frothed milk and pumpkin mixture. Top with the whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired.