Pumpkin Spice French Toast

Searching for the perfect brunch to serve over a long autumn weekend? A twist on a classic recipe,  Pumpkin Spice French Toast has the essence of pumpkin pie but is light and fluffy. The secret ingredient is the fancy molasses which adds depth and tremendous flavour to the French Toast. Should you choose to enhance this recipe, use heavy cream instead of milk and roast a handful of pecans to garnish the dish with warmed maple syrup. Its the breakfast of champions!

Alcohol Pairing: Poderi Elia Moscato D'Asti (Italy)

What you Need:

8-10 slices of artisan bread

1/3 c pure pumpkin puree

1/2 c milk (1 or 2%)

3 large eggs

1tbsp. pure maple syrup
1/2 tbsp. fancy molasses

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cardamom
1-2 tbsp. unsalted butter

Additional cinnamon for garnish

How to Make it Happen:  

1. Whisk together eggs, milk and pure pumpkin puree in a medium bowl. Add maple syrup, molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom and continue to whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover the mixture and chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

2. Next, cut the artisan break into thick slices and set aside. Place one tablespoon of butter into a frying pan and place on medium heat until the butter has melted.

3. Once the pumpkin mixture is chilled, place the liquid in a shallow dish.

4. Then, take the sliced bread and dip each piece into the pumpkin mixture, coating each side evenly before placing them into the frying pan.

5. Cook the bread for 2-3 minutes on one side and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Flip the slices over and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, sprinkling the second side with cinnamon.

6. Plate the Pumpkin Spice French Toast and serve with warmed maple syrup and smoked bacon.