PUMPKIN SEEDS!!!! YUM!!!I

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year! Fall is on the top of my list! It's crisp and cool, the leaves are changing and it really kicks off the baking season! I love to bake all year long but it's really limited in the summer because I don't want to heat up the house. Fall is the release of that boundary and I am set free to get my bake on!

One of the best things about fall is the bright, beautiful pumpkins all around town. We grow them ourselves but we still love to take the kids and pick out some that are bigger and "just right for them". We usually have about 10 pumpkins carved out on our porch every year. One quick it is that you should carve them just a few days before Halloween. This way you can still use the pumpkin to bake with. It breaks my heart to see, when taking the kids out to go trick or treating, all of these giant pumpkins rotting away with a candle inside... I just want to holler "HEY! I COULD HAVE EATEN THAT!"

I want to share today my easy, yummy, NO BURN pumpkin seeds. One of the best ways to start that we have figured out is to have 2 BIG buckets or bowls on the table. One for seeds and one for guts. Have the kids separate them as they go. This will make YOUR job a whole lot easier.

Pumpkin Seeds:|

Raw seeds
Salt
Water

Take all of your raw seeds and bring them to a boil in a large pot of salty water. As soon as it boils turn it off and remove from heat. Let set for 10 minutes. Drain and spread on pan brushed with olive oil.. Salt or season with your choice of seasonings and then bake for 15 minutes in a 325 degree oven. Shake pan or flip seeds, bake for another 10-15 minutes or until just golden. Done!

The great thing about the water step is that you don't end up with seeds that are crunchy in the middle. These turn out more like store bought ones. They are so good!

Some of the great kinds of seasonings you can use on them instead of salt are:

Lime and Chili Powder
BBQ Rub Powder
No Salt Seasoning (Costco makes a FANTASTIC organic one but Mrs. Dash works too)

This can also be done with other squash seeds! After all that is what a pumpkin is, a winter squash! So now take a look at the grocery store after the 31st when most of the pumpkins disappear and find yourself some others to make this fun treat with! Carve squash all year with your kids! Roast seeds from a Hubbard, Acorn, or whatever other fun shape squash you can find! Use the flesh of it to make pies and bread just like a pumpkin! It's really an endless string of fun if you are willing to step outside of the box!

Enjoy!