TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS:

I's a good idea to find a place to
hide your own secret stash.

It’s that wonderful time again – there’s a chill in the air and soon there will be frost on the pumpkin.  Oh how we look forward to the smell and taste of pumpkin pie, bread, whoopie pies, fudge…and the list goes on.  Many of those who have recognized the superior quality and taste of locally grown foods also value the idea of using every possible part of what they grow or buy at the local farmers market.  Did you know those delicious, crunchy pumpkin seeds are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants?  Shhh…don’t tell the kids they are good for them.
Keep in mind too, that you don't have to limit yourself to pumpkin seeds.  The acorn, butternut and spaghetti squashes that make it through my kitchen are fair game for toasting too.

Preparation:
1.  Scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin and separate the seeds from the stringy flesh.

2.  Place them in a big bowl of water and rub them through your fingers to completely clean them and rid them of any remaining stringy bits of flesh.
3.  Drain well in a strainer.  You won’t get them dry, but you will remove most of the water.
4.  Place in a single layer on a lightly-oiled cookie sheet and place in the oven on its lowest setting to dry.
5.  Remove the seeds when dry and turn the oven up to 250º F.
6.  Put the seeds into a bowl.  Lightly drizzle with your choice of oil or melted butter.  Stir them to coat.
7.  Spread the seeds in a single layer on a large cake pan or cookie sheet(s) and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning.
8.  Place into the preheated oven.  Be aware that they can burn quickly, so watch closely and stir every 5-10 minutes.  Bake until they are crisp and golden.  This could take anywhere from 10 – 45 minutes depending on the seeds and your oven.

Options:
When using seeds from large carving pumpkins rather than small pie pumpkins, some people simmer the seeds in salt water for 10 minutes before toasting.

Comments on Ingredients:
You don’t have to stick to the traditional salt seasoning.  Here are some other tasty possibilities:  salt and pepper; taco seasoning; cayenne pepper; garlic salt and Worcestershire sauce; cinnamon, ginger, allspice and salt. If you have a favorite combination for roasted nuts, try it here.
NOTE:  If you use a combination that includes sugar, watch it more closely as it will burn more easily.