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Pumpkin Seeds

By Heather Wirtz October 16, 2014
Most people have pumpkin on the mind and in their house this time of year. Do you turn your pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns? What do you do with the seeds after you clean out the pumpkin? Some people bake and eat them, but most just toss them into the trash!

Here are a few recipes to turn your pumpkin seeds into tasty treats! Do you have a favorite flavor combo already? We would love to hear about it below!

Maple Cinnamon

1 cup pumpkin seeds* or pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds, available at most grocery stores)
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch salt
Parchment paper

1. Preheat oven to 325. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine all ingredients, except seeds, in bowl and mix well.
3. Add seeds to mixture and toss until eventually coated.
4. Spread seeds in even layer on lined sheet pan.
5. Bake for 12 minutes (if using fresh seeds increase to 25 minutes).
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before eating.

Pie Spiced

1 cup pumpkin seeds* or pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds, available at most grocery stores)
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp Apple or Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pinch salt

1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well.
3. Lay seeds in even layer on sheet pan.
4. Bake for 12 minutes (if using fresh seeds increase to 25 minutes).
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before eating.

Sweet & Spicy Chili

1 cup pumpkin seeds* or pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds, available at most grocery stores)
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
Pinch salt

1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well.
3. Lay seeds in even layer on sheet pan.
4. Bake for 12 minutes (if using fresh seeds increase to 25 minutes).
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before eating.

*If using fresh pumpkin seeds, be sure to thoroughly wash seeds and remove any stringy pumpkin fibers before cooking.