Pumpkin Pie Atole

Nothing screams Fall like pumpkin!  The weather here has cooled considerably.  By mid-afternoon, I want nothing more than to curl up on the couch with something warm to drink.  A seasonal favorite in our house is Pumpkin Pie Atole!!!  The delicious combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in pumpkin pie was the inspiration for this heart warming beverage.
 
Pumpkin Pie Atole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 2 cups pumpkin puree or 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Whipped Cream (Optional)

Directions:
In a 2-quart saucepan, heat 4 cups of milk over medium heat.

In a blender, puree the pumpkin with the evaporated milk, sugar and spices.

Pour the pumpkin puree into the warm milk.  Stir until well combined.  Continue cooking over medium heat until atole is very warm.

Serve in individual mugs.  For an extra special treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.  Enjoy!!!