Roasted pumpkin seeds are the perfect fall snack and our produce department at D&W Fresh Market has a beautiful selection of pie and carving pumpkins.  Whether you are making a fall pumpkin recipe or your kids are carving a jack-o’-lantern this is a delicious way to use more of the pumpkin you purchased.

Pumpkin seeds are a low calorie snack and are a natural source of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.  One of the most important minerals in pumpkin seeds is zinc, an antioxidant that helps

protect against age-related diseases and assists in fighting colds which is critical this time of year.  They taste great too, so make plenty because they will disappear quickly!

Behind the scenes.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 1/2 cup

Ingredients:
1/2 c pumpkin seeds, cleaned
1 t extra virgin olive oil
1/8 t sea salt

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Clean the pumpkin seeds until they are free from pumpkin flesh.  Using a colander, rinse them off with water then lay them on a clean dish towel to dry.  Place the seeds in a bowl, add the extra virgin olive oil and sea salt to taste.  Massage the oil into the pumpkin seeds then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to make it easier to stir the seeds while roasting — and for a quick clean up.  Roast for 5 minutes, stir and roast again for another 5 minutes.  Keep a close eye on them as they are easy to burn.  Cook until they look and taste lightly toasted, approximately 10-15 minutes total cooking time.

You can find all these ingredients at your nearest D&W Fresh Market, great variety, always fresh!