Pumpkin French Toast with Apple Cider Syrup

I happened to be watching that new cooking/talk show, The Chew, and immediately fell in love with Carla Hall’s Pumpkin French Toast with Apple Cider Syrup. It’s the essence of Fall on a plate, it’s warm, comforting, spicy and sweet all bundled up together.  Not only is it fabulous, but it’s an easy make ahead meal.  You can make the syrup ahead of time, mix all the ingredients together, soak your bread overnight and grill it up in the morning.

For this recipe, I picked up a wonderful loaf of challah bread from Con Pane bakery in Point Loma. If you’re in the area, you must give this place a try, it’s absolutely amazing! Everything is baked fresh, onsite daily.  They strategically place their ordering line along the displays of their fresh baked goodies, I’m practically drooling by the time I reach the register to place my order.  I can never seem to get out of there without taking some fresh bread home.  I topped off my lunch order with a loaf of their Challah bread to-go; it was perfect I for this dish.

French Toast

1 cup milk

1/2 cup half-and-half

3 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin (solid pack)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 pinch salt

1 loaf challah or brioche bread, sliced thickly

Syrup

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 cups apple cider or 2 cups apple juice

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup unsalted butter

Pumpkin French Toast Directions

Combine all wet ingredients (except the bread) and mix well.  The night before or 6 hours prior, dip the bread slices in the milk mixture and place bread in a glass baking dish (single layer). Store in refrigerator until ready to cook.  In the morning, heat two tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan and grill up your French toast over medium heat until cooked thoroughly and slightly golden on the outside.   Sprinkle with a bit of powdered sugar, a drizzle Apple Cider Syrup and serve.

Apple Cider Syrup Directions

Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg in saucepan. Pour in apple and lemon juices. Cook and stir constantly until thickened. Allow to come to a boil, and boil for 1 minute continue to stir constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Serve warm. *This can be made ahead and warmed in the microwave or stove top prior to serving.