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Next door to Norm’s is Pescadero Country Store. A market/deli when I first visited the store a dozen years ago, the owner, Cindy, has turned her place of business into something more. The deli at the back of the store can get quite busy, too, as she offers freshly made sandwiches, salads and a different soup each day. In recent years, Cindy has expanded the store to cater better to the tourists and cyclists. A brick oven commands attention as you enter but you remember the gourmet pizzas it produces when you exit. The dining area is spacious and a bar serves libations if you want something more than Diet Coke or Snapple Tea from the refrigerated section at the back of the store. On summer weekends Cindy’s place is even busier as she offers live music and barbecue at the picnic area adjacent to her store. Perhaps beyond Pescadero’s rich history and small-town charm, its other big draw is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. If you like the idea of watching seagulls, seals and pelicans, if you can listen to the waves crashing for hours on end or if you want to simply park your car at the state beach and watch the boats go by as you eat your carnitas burrito or chicken salad sandwich, Pescadero would be hard to beat. I raise my hand to all of the above. Pescadero is so close to San Francisco, the city where I grew up, but it offers something quite unique. Don’t take my word for it, though. See for yourself the next time you visit this part of the California coast. ** This is the first of my Local Spotlight Series. From time to time, I will be featuring some of my favorite spots, eateries and people in the San Francisco Bay Area. I hope you enjoy this new feature on L&A. Please scroll down for my Cinnamon French Toast recipe******** Cinnamon French Toast *******
During one of my recent visits to Pescadero, I picked up a loaf of Arcangeli Bakery’s Cinnamon Swirl bread. Soft and with just the right amount of cinnamon flavor, I enjoy it toasted and often eat it with a slice of cheddar cheese. I found, however, that its texture is ideal for French toast as the bread soaks up the batter beautifully. I upped the cinnamon flavor by sprinkling more into the batter. Soft and moist inside and crisp on the outside, these were wonderful with the traditional accompaniments of maple syrup and powdered sugar. Don’t forget the fresh fruit on the side.Local Spotlight: Pescadero, CA (and Cinnamon French Toast)
Locally-made Cinnamon Swirl Bread give classic French toast an extra pop of cinnamon flavor.
Author: Lemons & Anchovies
Recipe type: Breakfast
Serves: Makes 8-10 Slices
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup half and half or milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- Cinnamon Swirl bread or challah (8-10 slices)
- Butter for the pan (a few tablespoons)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Slice the bread in roughly ¾-inch thick slices and set aside.
- Prepare the batter by whisking together in a platter the eggs, half and half (or milk), vanilla extract, cinnamon and sugar.
- Heat one tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Dip one slice of bread at a time into the batter on both sides, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid. Once the pan is hot and the butter melted, cook the bread until golden on both sides, about 1 minute for each side.
- Add butter to the pan as needed, for each batch of bread being cooked.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Lovely photos of Pescadero – I haven’t been there recently and clearly it’s time to take a drive over! As for the French toast, I love that you used cinnamon-swirl bread. That’s my favorite way to enjoy it!
lemonsandanchovies says
Laura, it’s nice to know you’re familiar with Pescadero. 🙂
Liren says
I love this new series, Jean! And I must visit Pescadero with the family, your recommendations in hand – it would be a perfect little excursion, so close! I can’t believe I have never been.
The french toast looks so good, I wish I could have some right now as I enjoy my afternoon coffee!
Hope you’re enjoying this beautiful Sunday 🙂
lemonsandanchovies says
Liren, it would be a nice day trip, for sure. The town is far from fancy but specialty items and the ocean are well worth it. 🙂
Lora @cakeduchess says
Stunning photos, Jean. Incredible views and such gorgeous flowers. That loaf is incredible and I am craving the cinnamon toast for brunch:)
Kim - Liv Life says
Oh, Jean!! What a gem of a spot you have found!! Yes, I’m one of those people who had driven past that location numerous times and has never stopped. While I’m not in the area very often anymore, I’m keeping this secret tucked away for my next visit.
Liv would adore that french toast!!!
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
Jean – I LOVE THIS SERIES! Keep these posts coming!!! Hubby and I need to venture over there for a weekend. We headed to Healdsburg this weekend and it was wonderful. That cinnamon bread looks simply divine and loving using it for french toast – I bet is was supreme!!!!
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
I so enjoyed reading this beautiful post, Jean! Your photos are gorgeous!!! …and now I am longing for french toast!
Patty says
Wonderful series Jean! I love the look of the cinnamon swirl bread and the idea of using it for french toast sounds perfect for a weekend breakfast! I enjoyed your photos and like the idea of discovering all the hidden gems in our area, thanks for your report 😉
Suzanne says
What a lovely post with such great photos of Pascadero. I lived in SLO for a short while and got to drive up and thru that area on the way to San Fran and it’s just all so beautiful. I adore french toast and especially with some amazing bread. Thanks for the recommendations and tour through the quaint town.
baking barrister says
OMG! Need to visit — this will be my next day trip when I’m bored. Now, who do I con into going with me so we can order more than one dish at each meal stop?
lemonsandanchovies says
BB, it would be a fun foodie day trip to take with others–we should plan it! 🙂
Rosa says
What a wonderful place! A place worth visiting…
That French toast looks amazing!
Cheers,
Rosa
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
So happy when a blogger lives in the same neighborhood. I can totally take advantage of your reviews. That cinnamon swirl bread looks SUPER delicious. Love the side shot of this bread. I need to hunt down…. I’ve been to Pescadero before but don’t remember stopping by any of the stores. I look forward to your series! What a delicious french toast. I need two loaves – one for this and one for tasting it by itself.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
What great pictures. I like this new feature you have, will be fun to see your area of the country!
lizzie - strayed from the table says
Stunning photos. What a great idea for a series. I felt like I was by your side for the day travelling along with you.
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says
When I grow up I want to travel as much as you do.
I can’t stop day-dreaming of all the beautiful places you see an kindly share photos with us
Jen Laceda @ Tartine and Apron Strings says
Wow, Pescadero is pretty! You are so fortunate to live near such a wonderful place! I totally believe the Californian soil is so rich and potent. I have an aunt in Alameda who just throws seeds in her backyard and they actually sprout and grow! Wow, that’s unheard of in Toronto!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Jean, I could live on this post. The photos and descriptions make me want to visit and that cinnamon French toast – lemme at it! 🙂
sippitysup says
The “Dorothy” in me wants to run that field of poppies! You going to FB fest. I decided I would after much deliberation. GREG
lemonsandanchovies says
Greg, I’m stil not sure. There’s a chance we’ll be out of town so I didn’t register. Maybe I’ll be able to show up for an event or two at the last minute. Would love to see you! 🙂
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
What a great post, photos and recipe! It looks like such a tranquil place. Wish I could be there right now. Jean your french toast looks scrumptious. We love cinnamon toast and what a great way of using up the leftovers. Thanks for sharing:)
Judy | Bebe Love Okazu says
Hi Jean, Thanks for the little tour! I loved it. I felt like I was on a mini-vacay. 🙂 Cinnamon french toast is a favorite of ours too. That and Hawaiian bread french toast.
Joan says
Love your blog and this article. My girlfriend and I are now planning a photo day trip for October!
Mary says
I love Pescadero and love taking out of town visitors to Duarte’s. Next time you go, order the Half & Half soup. It’s not on the menu but it’s a bowl of half Cream of Green Chili soup and half Cream of Artichoke soup. Best of both worlds as I can’t pick a favorite of the two!!