How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack to make all year round. When you cannot find pumpkins that are in season, you can always buy pumpkin seeds from your local grocery store.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pumpkin or pumpkin seeds pre-packaged
• Large spoon
• Baking sheet/pan
• Butter
• Salt
• Other spices as desired
• Oven
• Spatula

1. You should start by buying a pumpkin, cut top and gut pumpkin by scraping seeds out with a spoon. If you cannot buy a pumpkin, then see if you can find the seeds in packaging at your local grocer.

2. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Once you’ve got the seeds out of the pumpkin put them into the water to soak. Pull off any of the pumpkin pulp that is attached to the seeds.

3. Grab a flat sheet pan, like a cookie pan, and grease it with butter or non-stick spray. Pour pumpkin seeds and water into a strainer and strain off the water. Place pumpkin seeds onto baking pan.

4. Now you can add any type of seasonings that you wish to cook the pumpkin seeds with. A simple and tasty way to season pumpkin seeds is just a couple of tablespoons of butter and some salt sprinkled over them. Seeds prepared this way are very tasty. There are many different seasonings you can put on pumpkin seeds that taste good. Some of the following seasonings that you may want to try are: cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, ginger, taco seasoning, onion, cocoa powder or cheese popcorn topping. There are many options. It is up to you to decide which way you like them best, but the classic recipe is just some butter and salt.

5. Cook in the oven at 350 degrees, for about 10 to 15 minutes or so, until they brown. Midway through cooking you may want to check them and turn them over with a spatula to cook both sides evenly. When they are finished roasting you may want to sprinkle a little extra salt on them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find a fresh pumpkin, you can always buy the seeds in a bag at grocery stores. Look for them at your local grocery store in the aisle that has packaged nuts/seeds.
• Don't be afraid to try new spices or seasonings on them.
• Be careful when pouring the water and seeds into a strainer.

[RWNewhouse]

on 12/19/2008 I love pumpkin seeds but never knew how to roast them. Thanks for teaching me!