Try making snacks out of your pumpkin seeds this year instead of throwing them away.
Halloween means carving pumpkins, but one of the messiest parts about this tradition is scooping out all of the seeds that are inside. While pumpkin carving can be a messy activity, most clean it up in a breeze by tossing everything. What many people don't realize is that when they throw away their pumpkin insides, they are throwing away a very tasty treat. This Halloween, instead of throwing away your seeds, save them. There are several different ways to cook pumpkin seeds that can make them a great addition to any Halloween celebration.
Instructions
Oven Roasted Seeds
1. Rinse the seeds. Use your fingers to remove all of the pulp from the seeds; rinse and drain them. Lay seeds out on paper towels or on a baking sheet to dry overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Spread non-stick foil over your . Toss the pumpkin seeds in olive oil or butter, or spray the seeds with cooking spray.
3. Season the seeds. Sprinkle salt plus any mixture of seasoning over the seeds that you desire. Give them extra flavor or spice by adding cayenne pepper or paprika. If you prefer more coated seeds, toss them in a seasoning mixture as opposed to sprinkling. For saltier seeds, soak in a solution of 1/4 cup salt to 2 cups of water overnight. Dry seeds for an additional day, then add extra seasoning.
4. Bake the seeds. Seeds should bake for 1 hour at 250 degrees. Turn seeds about every 15 to 20 minutes for full toasting. Cook pumpkin seeds until they are golden brown.
5. Cool the seeds. Be sure to let the seeds cool before eating. Seeds can be stored for up to three months at room temperature in an airtight container; or up to a year in the freezer.
Microwave Toasted Seeds
6. Rinse seeds as directed in the previous section.
7. Heat some oil. Take the butter or olive oil and place it in a microwave safe dish. Microwave the oil for 30 seconds.
8. Add seeds. Spread seeds over the bottom of the dish, then toss to fully coat.
9. Microwave the seeds. Microwave the dish on high for 7 to 8 minutes or until you notice the seeds are turning a golden brown color. Be sure to stir the seeds every 2 minutes as they are cooking.
10. Season the seeds. Take the pumpkin seeds out of the dish and toss them in your seasoning mix. Allow the pumpkin seeds to cool off before eating them.
Skillet Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
11. Follow rinsing instructions as stated.
12. Place the seeds in a skillet pan over medium heat. Shake or stir the seeds constantly when over the fire in order to prevent burning. When the seeds start to turn a golden brown or start to pop open, they are done. The seeds will normally take about an hour to cook with this method.
13. Remove the seeds from the skillet and toss them in seasoning mixture. Cool the seeds before serving.
Tags: pumpkin seeds, golden brown, seeds that, toss them, baking sheet,