MAKE YOUR OWN TASTY PEPITA TREATS!
It’s that time of year again. Time to face off with your favorite gourd, Jack-O-Lantern style. One knife, one pumpkin, and the Sunday funnies are all you need for an evening of good clean family fun. After the carving, bundle up the mess in the funnies and toss. But … don’t throw away the best parts of the pumpkin – the seeds.
Make a tasty and nutritious Fall treat instead!
You’ve probably already tasted them even if you’re not aware. Also called pepitas, pumpkin seeds are a popular addition to restaurant salads. Besides being tasty, pepitas pack a nutritional punch. They provide protein, zinc, magnesium, and manganese among other powerful nutrients.
After carving your pumpkin, wash the seeds and separate them from the stringy pulp. Heat your oven to 300 degrees and grease a cookie sheet (lined with parchment paper if you prefer).
Coat the seeds lightly with oil and place in a single layer to roast. Cook for 30-40 minutes turning as necessary and remove when golden brown. Toss with a few of the following seasoning options and create your own pepita masterpiece recipe!
Salt
Garlic salt
Worcestershire sauce
Cayenne pepper
Turmeric
Pumpkin pie spice
Nutmeg
Sugar equivalents (i.e., stevia, erythritol, or coconut sugar)
Cinnamon
What’s your favorite seasoning combination? Let me know!
I always forget to do this. This year for sure I will make these. I love how loaded with phytosterols that help reduce cholesterol. Great visual reminder to make them this year.
Kristen
Exactly, Kristen — thanks for the input! What’s your fav? Sweet or savory?