Two Yummy Things to do with Pumpkin Seeds

This year for Christmas treats I've been roasting and seasoning shelled pumpkin seeds, aka pepitas. These are available in bulk at health food stores and Latin markets. They're delicious, they're a little unusual, they're less expensive than nuts, they're very nutritious, and while nut allergies are common, I've yet to hear of someone with a pumpkin seed allergy. Here's what I've been doing with them:

Salt 'n' Cinnamon Pepitas

4 egg whites
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon salt -- scant tablespoon
1/3 cup splenda
8 cups shelled pumpkin seeds

Preheat oven to 350. Spray the biggest darned roasting pan you've got with non-stick cooking spray (unless it's a non-stick pan, of course.)

In a big mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites till they're good and frothy. Now whisk in the cinnamon, salt, and Splenda.

Add four cups of the shelled pumpkin seeds, and stir till they're coated. Now add the rest, and stir again, making sure you reach all the way down to the bottom, till every single seed is evenly coated.

Dump the seeds in your roasting pan and spread them in an even layer. Slide 'em into the oven, and set the timer for 7-8 minutes.

When the timer beeps, use a pancake turner to turn all the seeds, and stir them, breaking up clumps as you go. Put 'em back in the oven, and set the timer for another 7 minutes.

Repeat the turning, stirring, and breaking up clumps. This time when you put your seeds back in, shorten the time to 5 minutes. Repeat until the seeds are dry and crisp, and turning golden.

Cool, and put in pretty tins to give away.
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32 servings of 1/4 cup each: 75 Calories; 3g Fat ; 3g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber

And these, which are just as good, but not for the faint of heart:

Sweet 'n' Spicy Pepitas

4 egg whites
1/3 cup splenda
3 tablespoons chili powder -- plain
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
8 cups shelled pumpkin seeds

The method for these is identical to that for the Salt 'n' Cinnamon Pepitas
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32 servings of 1/4 cup each: 78 Calories; 3g Fat (; 4g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber

Note: By "plain chili powder" I mean one made of nothing but ground, dried chilies, not the blend of spices labeled "chili powder" and sold for making chili con carne. Look in a gourmet food store or a Latin market.

And Merry Christmas, all!