February 20, 2012

Sweet and Salty Seasoned Pepitas {aka Pumpkin Seeds}

There’s nothing like being able to snack on something that’s good for you!  Not just tastes good – but is actually good for you!  I know you’re looking at the photos all excited that I’m going to tell you that you should eat organic brown sugar everyday, right?  Not so fast.

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I know most people only eat pumpkin seeds in the fall when pumpkins are being sold at the stores, but did you know you can buy RAW Pepitas / Pumpkin Seeds at most health foods stores?  This seed is amazingly healthy – and although it is most likely at it’s healthiest state when it’s RAW, these seasoned and baked pumpkin seeds are a wonderful alternative to a bag of chips, crackers or cookies for a quick snack.  They don’t take a lot of physical labor – just some cooking time – and they are so worth it!

Now, the raw seeds you buy from the store won’t look like mine.  Those in my photos are directly from a pumpkin.  The ones you will buy will be slightly greenish in color.  This is normal.  Sort of like living in a Dr. Seuss book.

Your amazing sweet and salty mix will come from three simple ingredients.  Brown sugar. Cinnamon. Salt.  Who knew?

Now the catalyst for the seeds and the heavenly spice mix is none other than wonderful REAL butter.  Oh my goodness.  Just looking at this photos makes me want to have some lobster tail or artichokes to dip in this sea of goodness.

Here is the result of mixing the butter and the spices.  Looks like chocolate.  Sometimes I think everything looks like chocolate.  I’m that devoted to the dark colored wonder.

So for those of you who are ambitious and want to try something different for snack time – here’s to the wonderful seasoned pepita that you can enjoy year round!

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Sweet and Salty Pepitas / Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

2 cups raw pumpkin seeds / pepitas

2 tablespoons organic real butter, melted

3 tablespoons organic brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher sea salt

1/2 teaspoon organic cinnamon

Directions:

First you need to dry the seeds.  Easiest way to do this is to spread them out on a cookies sheet lined with unbleached parchment paper.   Preheat the oven to 300 degrees  and place the backing sheet on the middle rack for 30 minutes.

About 10 minutes before the seeds are done, melt the butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan.  Once it is completely melted, add the brown sugar, salt and cinnamon.

Once the seeds are done, remove from the oven and put into a medium bowl.  Pour the butter mixture over the seeds and stir thoroughly until seeds are evenly coated.

Spread the seeds back onto the baking sheet and return to oven to roast for 15 minutes at 350 degrees (don’t forget to turn the oven up).

Once roasting is complete remove from the oven and allow to cool down.  Store in an airtight container or enjoy immediately!

Here’s to snack time!  Enjoy!