All About Pumpkin

October30

Happy Halloween! For a holiday that traditionally hinges on sweets and spooks, Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year. Memories of pillow cases full of bite-sized, cavity-causing candy come to mind. But so do pumpkins. From carving them to roasting the seeds and popping them as a crunchy, healthful snack--you're making the most out of the entire food, sustainable eating for sure. I passed up breaking out a stellar costume this year for a comfy, cozy potluck dinner with close friends, the perfect antidote to the season's first shock of wintry weather. My contribution? A Brussels sprout salad and a major dose of pumpkin, roasted sweet & spicy seeds, and pumpkin risotto (recipe to come) to pair with my friend's unbelievable braised short ribs and celery root mash, autumn's bounty at its best. For a simple something to nibble on, here's how I roasted those seeds..

Spicy Sweet Roasted Pumpkins Seeds

Ingredients

seeds from one medium-sized pumpkin (about 1.5-2 cups)

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper blend (black and cayenne)

flaky sea salt, to taste

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon metled butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375F.

Toss cleaned, dry seeds with remaining ingredients. Spread on a baking sheet and roast about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Images via :: Nourish

TAGS: pumpkin, snacks, halloween

posted: 10.30.11

NOURISH HEALTH + TASTE + STYLE