It’s that time of the year again…pumpkin time! Spice up your seeds with these new ideas!
Pumpkin seeds, like other nuts and seeds, are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats. A one ounce serving has about 2-3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of healthy fat. Depending what you put on them, they can be a really healthy snack (and fun to gather!)
With all of the below spice ideas, be sure to wash and dry your seeds prior to adding seasoning. Toss them into a large bowl to mix in the seasonings and oil. Be sure to mix well enough to coat each seed. When finished flavoring, spread evenly on a baking sheet for even cooking. Toast them in the oven at about 375-425 degrees F. Toast them to your desired doneness; some people like them crispier than others. Alright, if you are tired of the regular sea salt and seed combo, try these:
- Cinnamon Almond: Mix together 1-2 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4-1/2 tsp almond extract, 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar, and oil (to your taste.) This combo should remind you of the toasted almonds at the state fair. Yum, a sweet treat!
- Dill: Toss together 1 tbsp dill, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and oil for this ranch flavored snack.
- Gingerbread: Add 1 tsp cinnamon, and a few “dashes” of the following spices- nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves. Sweeten with 2 tsp sugar, and mix together with a bit of oil.
- Spicy: Use a tsp of red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp ground cayenne, a dash of chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and oil for this mouth watering seed.
Do you have any favorite spice combos you would like to share with the group? If so, post it as a comment!
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by Flickr user Food Thinker
Oh yum! Last year, we did curried pumpkin seeds. I forget exactly which spices – I think it was basically whatever curry spices I had in the pantry at the time. They were addictive!