Falling for Pumpkins

Many people, like myself, wait in anticipation for the announcement of pumpkin spiced anything. It's that warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many.  The trend has evolved from being a mere seasonal coffee flavour to a lifestyle choice, inspiring everything from lattes and pastries to candles, lotions, cereal, and even pet treats!

What about the poor pumpkin itself? Is the pumpkin just a prop for pumpkin spice?

Well, did you know pumpkins and their seeds were high in vitamins and low in calories and they contain antioxidants that neutralise free radicals, stopping them from damaging your cells?  Pumpkins have an impressive nutrient profile that provides a multitude of health benefits, such as improved energy, mood, and immune function.

After carving pumpkins with my family, I thought it would be a shame to discard the seeds and decided to try roasting them for the first time after much consultation with Google!

1. Wash your hands!  Separate the seeds from the pumpkin pulp "guts"
2. Place them in a bowl of cold water, and swish them around a bit (they will feel a little slimy), leave them for about 5 mins.  While waiting, fill a pot with 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt and bring it to a boil.
3. You'll notice that the seeds float to the top and the pulp sinks to the bottom.  Scoop the seeds out with your hands into a strainer.
4. Place the pumpkin seeds onto paper towels or a dishcloth to dry them.  It is very important to make sure the seeds are as dry as possible or else they won't be as crunchy!
5. Once dry, preheat your oven to 300 degrees (F).  Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper. 
6. Place the seeds in a pile in the middle of the tray.  Pour a little bit of oil into the middle of the pile (just enough to just coat the seeds).  I used olive oil. Then add salt or whatever spices you like and mix through and spread out on the tray.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes, checking every 10 minutes, "stirring" the seeds to make sure they roast evenly.

The result is a delicious snack.  I wish I had photos of the end result but my family demolished them in record time.  Highly recommend, this will now be a part of my yearly fall activities!

~Maria