• Combine dates and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and soak for about 30 minutes. (If you use a Vitamix or other high speed blender, you can skip the soaking step if you want.)
• Pour the dates and soaking water into a blender, and add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and vanilla.
• Blend on high for a minute or two, until the mixture is very smooth.
• Strain using a mesh strainer to remove any pieces of date or spices that haven’t been blended. You will probably need to use a spoon to lightly stir/scrape the strainer to get all the syrup to pass through.
• Refrigerate until ready to use.

To make a latte:

• Combine ¾ cup milk of choice (I like unsweetened soymilk) and ¼ cup Pumpkin Spice Syrup, and heat until just before boiling.
• Pour into a blender, and blend about 20 seconds, until frothy. You can also use a milk steamer for this if you have one.
• Pour 1 shot (or more if you prefer) of espresso, or very strong coffee, into a mug, and top with the milk/syrup mixture. For variation, try this with black tea, green tea, or chai tea, also!
• Garnish with whipped cream if desired, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg.