Pumpkin Seeds...The Perfect Fall Snack

Autumn has arrived in all its glory! Colorful leaves, Cornstalks, Mums and an abundance of Pumpkins. At least one of the Pumpkins that adorn the front of my home always beckons me to bring it indoors and scoop out the seeds so I can make one of our favorite Fall snacks. Baked Pumpkin Seeds are so tasty! They are great to snack on or serve as a seasonal treat for dinner guests.

Make it easy! You can also cut pumpkins in half width wise. Once the seeds are removed the two halves can be put back together and used as an outdoor decoration...on a flat surface

I didn't plan to carve this Pumpkin so I didn't have to be concerned about how much of the top I cut off. Give yourself easy access to the seeds.

• Scoop out the seeds with a metal spoon or one of the scoops that come in the "Pumpkin Carving Kit"
• Put the seeds in a collander as you scoop them out
• Rinse them under cold water to separate the pulp from the seeds
• Cover a baking sheet with paper towels and pour the seeds on top
• Spread the seeds out so they can dry completely

• Melt 1/4 cup of Butter or Margarine. You can use 2 Tbs. Olive Oil if you prefer.
• Mix the Pumpkin Seeds with the Butter or Margarine until they are well coated.
• Add Salt to taste and mix well

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
• Place the Pumpkin Seeds on a baking sheet
• Spread them out so they are in a single layer. They will bake more evenly if they are not piled on top of one another.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the Pumpkin Seeds are browned and crisp

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cardamom

Mix spices with Pumpkin Seeds and butter or margarine before baking.

• 
1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• Mix with Pumpkin Seeds and Butter or Margarine before baking.

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a good source of protein, as well as iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and potassium. They are a natural source of fiber, carbs, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Pumpkin Seeds contain most B Vitamins as well as Vitamins C, D, E and K

• Amino Acids L-Tryptophan and Glutamate have been shown to be effective in battling Depression, Anxiety attacks and Mood Disorders.
• mono-unsaturated fatty acids such as Oleic Acid help regulate cholesterol levels and prevents hardening of the arteries by lowering LDL and raising the level of HDL.
• Some studies have shown that Pumpkin Seeds are beneficial to the Bladder and Prostate Gland, improve Gastrointestinal Health and help prevent Kidney Stones from forming.
• Some countries consider Pumpkin Seeds to be "brain food" and use them to treat Learning Disorders