Eggnog Latte

Picture this: You're at your local mall, elbowing pushy parents for that (insert 2010's version of the Teddy Ruxpin here) and trying to determine if buying shower gel for your co-worker is akin to telling her she has B.O. You're feeling tired, and cranky and are quickly losing that holiday spirit. You need a pick-me-up.

And hark! The angels sing! There it is, advertised in big red letters at your favorite ubiquitous coffee shop. The eggnog latte. It smells like Grandma's kitchen and feels like pure yuletide joy running down your throat. But...ouch! You've already spent a lot buying toy train sets for the wee ones and a tie clip for your father-in-law. Can you afford to spend another 5 bucks on one coffee?

The short answer is no. Go home, and make it yourself. It's really, really easy. All you need are these four things: really strong coffee, regular or soy milk, eggnog, and pumpkin pie spice.

Eggnog Latte

• 1/3 cup 2% milk
• 2/3 cup eggnog
• 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger brewed espresso
• 1 pinch pumpkin pie spice

Directions: Heat milk and eggnog in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking to create a foam. Pour in a jigger of espresso or really strong coffee, then fleck with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg.

There now, don't you feel better? And if you haven't submitted your final laminated list to Santa yet, make sure you ask for one more gift--a gym membership. Because you've just ingested half your daily fat allowance in three gulps. Happy Holidays!