Mmmmm, Pumpkin French Toast with Spiced Apple-Maple Syrup
The Pumpkin Yeast Bread in the November Edition is so delicious, but I did have some getting very stale (only 2 people in the house!). What to do, I wondered. I suddenly envisioned French toast made with the bread, topped with a spiced apple maple syrup topping. Oh my, I must give this a try. The results were better than I imagined! So, here is the recipe for both the toast and topping. A wonderful, fragrant breakfast for a brisk autumn weekend. Serves 3-4 with some topping left-over (maybe). If you like, you can add 1/4 cup toasted pecans to the topping for additional crunch and protein!
For the Spiced Apple-Maple Syrup Topping:
1 large sweet-tart apple,cored and cut into 1/8" dice (brunoise)
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or pie spice ( I used Penzey's)
Large pinch of salt
Generous 1 cup of maple syrup
Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet. Add the apples and cook over medium-high heat until they are softened and starting to brown. Add the pie spice and salt and cook for about 1 more minute. Add the maple syrup, lower the heat, and simmer very slowly while preparing the French Toast.
For the French Toast:
8-3/4" slices Pumpkin Yeast Bread (or any other stale, sturdy bread, such as French or sourdough)
2 large eggs, beaten well
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or pie spice
Pinch of salt
1 1/4 cup whole or 2% milk
In a 10-inch pie plate, combine the eggs, spice, salt, and milk and whisk until the mixture is completely combined, with no streaks of egg.
Preheat a large non-stick skillet sprayed generously with non-stick spray, over medium heat.
Place the slices of bread into the egg mixture two at a time, and soak for a few seconds on each side, until they are thoroughly wet, but not soggy. Place on a sheet pan and repeat with the remaining slices of bread. (If some of the egg mixture remains and you have additional bread, you can prepare more to freeze for later use.)
Add the bread to the skillet, and cook until well browned on the bottom and the top looks like it is beginning to dry out a little. Turn and cook until the bottom is well-browned. (Do not undercook or the toast will be wet and gooey in the center!)
Serve on warm plates with butter and Spiced Apple-Maple Syrup.
