~Make Stuff Monday~
STOP!
Whatever you do, do NOT throw out your pumpkin seeds.
Aaaaah! Turn around and move slooowly away from the trash can. I said sloooowly. I mean it. I’m watching you.
Good. Now that we have that resolved and your heart is pounding in fear from my mean and scary facial expressions, I want you to get comfortable….HEY! I SAID SIT!!!
A’hem, I mean, please sit down and relax my little pussy cat.
Okay so, sit back and free your mind…allow yourself a moment to go to your happy place, accessing your inner calm. Mmmmm, feel great? Okay then, enough already on the meditiation cuz you are about to learn how to make the most amazing, tasty, roasted pumpkin seeds!
Music please!
What you will NOT need but can certainly include if desired:
*A Margarita
*Insanely loud music
*Chocolate (any flavor)
What you WILL need:
*Any size carving pumpkin
*Olive oil
*Salt
…yep, that’s it!
Step 1. Carving Pumpkin (check)
Step 2. Cut off the top carefully with knife. Our kiddos used a child-size butter knife for safety purposes! You can get it started for them and let them “feel” as if they are cutting the lid off. (Sneaky…yet safe)!
Step 3. Git ‘dem seeds on outta there! This is the fun part especially for kids.
Step 4. Weed through goop
Step 5. Play with goop
Step 6. Put the slippery seeds in a bowl to be washed
Step 7. Rinse the seeds under cold water, picking out the pulp and strings. Place the wet seeds on a towel to dry out a bit.
Step 8. Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees F until toasted, about 30 minutes, checking and stirring after 10 minutes.
Step 9. I chose to do mine in a large skillet this year, but it can be done either way. If you cook in a skillet, make sure the temperature is on low and cook uncovered for about an hour or until seeds have a “toasted” appearance.
Step 10. Chow down! Eat them as fast as you can so that no one else can have any.
Now why on Earth would you want to do roast pumpkin seeds? Well, I did say they are really really good, as they are one of the most flavorful, healthy seeds around. But also, they are high in Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K, Omega 3 and packed with protein and fiber….and so so much more! I grew up eating pumpkin seeds every Fall and now our family continues with this tradition every year as well. Best part? Our entire family can eat them as they are allergy free too for our son! Bonus!
Nuff Said. Good for the body, Good for the soul. You did get some meditation out of it, didn’t you? Oh goodie.
Happy Halloween!
