Just in Time for Halloween: How To Roast Perfect Pumpkin Seeds

Wondering what to do with all those seeds left over from carving pumpkins this Halloween? Here’s a great recipe and a quick video tutorial for roasting the perfect pumpkin seeds. These nutritious treats are loaded with potassium and packed with fiber and protein. Best part? They are easy to make.

Patch contributor Julianna Crisalli shares this recipe that she’s been making since she was a young child.

“I’ve been making these since I was a kid and just recently began adding a bit of spice,” she said when she initially shared this recipe with Patch in 2011. “Enjoy, and happy autumn!”

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin seeds
• 3 tablespoons of butter (olive oil or cooking spray works as well)
• Salt (OPTIONAL: Add additional spices to the butter mixture. Seasoning salt, garlic pepper and red pepper flakes are my favorites.)

Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Separate the seeds as you clean your pumpkin. Wash the seeds well and pat them dry with a paper towel. Leave the seeds to dry for about 10 minutes while you prepare your spread. Melt butter in saucepan or microwave. Add desired spices and salt.

Place aluminum foil over a cookie sheet and spread seeds in a single layer. Pour or brush butter/spice mixture over the seeds evenly. Place in the oven. The seeds will begin to brown after 20-30 minutes. Once they achieve a golden brown complexion they are done.

More Halloween posts on Patch:

• Expert Tips to Scarify Your Halloween Costumes

Photo courtesy of Morguefile