If you're anything like me, you've noticed the cornucopia of pumpkin-flavored foods and beverages this autumn. Yes, it's true, we're all suckers for our pumpkin flavored coffee, scones, pancakes, cookies, etc. and with this quick and simple recipe, you can add a little of your own fall flavor to whatever you like.

So far I've found this goes really well with:
-Coffee - perfect for making your own pumpkin spice lattes at home!
-Frosting for baked goods
-Morning toast/bagels
-Ice cream
-Roasted sweet potatoes and/or squash - a great mix of savory and sweet.

Ingredients:
1 cup water
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree (puree folks, not pie mix)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground clove
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground ginger (or a 1/2 inch cube of fresh ginger)

Tools needed:
Can opener
measuring cups (1 cup and 3/4 cup)
measuring spoons (1/2 and 1/4 teaspoons, 1 tablespoon)
Small saucepan
Spoon
Strainer
Glass or plastic storage container (mason jar, tupperware, etc)

Step 1: Heat 1 Cup of Water on Medium Heat in a Saucepan

Step 2: Add Brown Sugar

Add 3/4 cup of brown sugar and stir on medium heat until dissolved

Step 3: Add Your Spices

Turn the heat down to low and add:
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground clove
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Step 4: Add Fresh, Ground Nutmeg

You can of course use the nutmeg from the jar, but I prefer it fresh. Either way, add 1/4 tsp.

Oh and if you're like me and you don't own a grater, here's a helpful trick. Take the top off one of those spice grinder jars (you'll see them at the grocery store for pepper) and grate your nutmeg against the blade - works just as well!

Step 5: Add Pumpkin

Add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin. Add a little more if you're looking for an extra bold flavour.

Step 6: Stir for 3 Minutes

Keep stirring on low heat until all the solids have dissolved as much as possible

Step 7: Strain and Store

IMPORTANT If you're storing in a plastic container, be sure to wait a few minutes to allow the mixture to cool. Otherwise you will melt your plastic (which neither tastes good nor smells pleasant).

When ready, pour through a strainer into your vessel to remove the excess solids.

Step 8: Infuse

I like to infuse my syrup with an extra cinnamon stick to give it a bit more spice.

Step 9: Store and Savor!

And that's all there is to it. On the counter, the syrup will keep for about a week and in the fridge it should last for a month. Not that it'll need to anyways since it's so addictive...

Enjoy!