Skip Traditional French Toast: Trader Joe's Has A Delicious Fall Upgrade

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When the autumn equinox hits, our minds stray to spooky haunted houses, crispy piles of leaves just begging for a jump, and, of course, pumpkin everything. We often mourn discontinued Trader Joe's fall items that we desperately want back while still acknowledging that our favorite small-format grocer has some pretty awesome seasonal treats that we can pick up right now ... including Sliced Pumpkin Sourdough Bread. It's packed with pumpkin purée and many of the seasonings that make up pumpkin spice blend, like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Not only is this item a "gotta have it" for creative sandwiches this September and October, but we think it would make a sinfully delicious French toast as well. It sells for $4.99 per loaf, which is more than fair for a starring actor in one unforgettable brunch. Of course, keep in mind that availability may vary, and this is a limited-time item.

Sourdough is already a solid pick for French toast because it's hearty enough to stand up to the weight of a custard that might turn a softer slice to mush. When you moisten your pumpkin sourdough with egg and milk then fry it up with a knob of butter, we're predicting that a fantastic alchemy takes place. The bread crisps, the sweetness and spice that were present in the batter take center stage, and the maple syrup that you normally serve with French toast will make everything magical. The flavors of fall (pumpkin, warming spices) are an ideal match for the flavor profiles associated with French toast ... and that's to say nothing of upgrading your dish endlessly to make possibly the best autumn brunch dish ever griddled by a home cook!

When we published a recipe for brunch-worthy caramel pecan French toast, pumpkin sourdough wasn't available ... but oh, if it only were! We're picturing a truly luxurious French toast, one that you might serve on a birthday or anniversary morning. The buttery caramel sauce is a treat on regular bread, but just imagine what it would do with the flavors of a bread infused with pumpkin and spices? In general, pecans (another ingredient that sings the song of harvest-season bounty) are a great addition to a "fancy" pumpkin French toast. Consider crumbling them with brown sugar for a streusel that you can use to top your slices!

Another way to make your pumpkin French toast moreish is to pile on even more pumpkin. We've seen preparations for pumpkin-y French toast that stir pumpkin purée – which, keep in mind, is not the same as pumpkin pie filling — into the custard that will be used to soak the bread. In this way, you fulfill several objectives. Your loved ones get some of the ample nutritional benefits of pumpkin meat, which include fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A, and you enhance your breakfast with even more of that inimitable fall flair. If you add pumpkin to the custard, we also suggest doubling down with several shakes of pumpkin spice finishing sugar, like this well-rated version by spice king McCormick, to bring out that "pumpkin spice" savor that defines this time of year. Garnish with fresh whipped cream and serve it up with rashers of crispy bacon for a breakfast or brunch that will rival any fancy bistro in town.