Heat the pumpkin and spices: In a small saucepan over medium heat cook the pumpkin with the pumpkin pie spice and a generous amount of black pepper for 2 minutes or until it's hot and smells cooked. Stir constantly

Stir in the sugar: Add the sugar and stir until the mixture looks like a bubbly thick syrup.

Warm the milk: Whisk in the milk and vanilla extract. Warm gently over medium heat, watching to make sure it doesn't boil over.

Blend the milk: Carefully process the milk mixture with a hand blender or in a traditional blender. (Hold the lid tightly!)until it's frothy and blended.

Mix the drinks: Make the espresso or coffee and divide between two mugs and add the frothed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, Cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired.