Bookworm

The one good thing about Halloween

I hate Halloween. Orange and black are ugly colors. Costumes are expensive, uncomfortable to wear, and they (mostly) look stupid. All that sugar makes my kids unrecognizable. And what good is a holiday if it doesn't involve a great big festive meal with extended family?

Halloween has one redeeming thing. I hope you already know how to do this, but just in case, here's the recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds à la Bookworm:

1. When you're scooping out the insides of your jack-o-lantern, separate the seeds out. You might want to rinse them, but don't get too fanatic about it. Little bits of pumpkin left clinging to the seeds will come out crispy and delicious. Also, if you're not going to roast them right away, just put them in a bowl of water. They'll be fine on the kitchen counter for a few hours.

2. Liberally oil a cookie sheet or two, depending on how many seeds. Spread the seeds in a single layer on the sheet. Salt according to taste. (My taste: lots and lots, and preferably kosher.)

3. Bake at very low heat (250° F) for 45 minutes or so.

4. Eat while still hot.

And don't forget, you can do this with the seeds from any type of winter squash. Yum!

15 Comments:

  • Another learning experience, compliments of Julie. Thanks much.

    I'm off in twenty minutes to preview my neighbor's haunted garage - I'll probably need some toilet paper.

    Happy Halloween!

    posted by Blogger Fred on 7:44 PM  

  • Wow! Looks like I've found Ms. Halloween Grinch to go along with my husband, Mr. Halloween Grinch!

    Thanks for the tip on roasted pumpkin seeds.

    posted by Blogger Suzanne on 8:22 PM  

  • Ooh, roasted pumpkin seeds! We tried some yesterday, but instead of salt we used tamari, liberally applied and baked in a low oven until dried and crisp. Mmmmm.

    posted by Anonymous Anonymous on 12:01 AM  

  • Yummo., those pumplin seeds sound great. I have to dispute your orange and black statement though. I love 'em both.

    posted by Blogger Mummy/Crit on 5:30 AM  

  • Thx, I've not had roasted seeds.
    However, BAH HUMBUG ON YOU!

    I agree orange is a halicious color, however Halloween is my alltime fave holiday! The only time I orange and black together is in Halloween season. I adore costumes but they must be different, not store bought crp.


    We NEVEr buy them nor sew them. We throw togetherideas, well sometimes creative ;) and have fun.

    I've not had time to post about past HalLoweens.

    As for sugar, any holiday with chocolate rocks! I don't gorge. (am healthy eater). We've always regulated the amount of sugar/candy our kids get so even when they were older teens, they did so naturally.

    I love surprising our kids with costumes like the....will post later about that. Have to go pick up the IN-TREE-GING painting from an art show where it was honored. I know I haven't revealed how it became glued to our DR wall nor why it was unglued. It's a wonder I blog at all! (Gives me energy when no choco is available.)

    Oh, the Bio of e.e. cummings came into the library but this is the busiest month of the year for me. I might have to go with the bits and pieces reading approach.

    posted by Blogger Gel on 8:30 AM  

  • While I can't agree with your view toward Halloween in general, I do heartily concur with you when it comes to yummy roasted pumpkin seeds!

    posted by Anonymous Anonymous on 11:35 AM  

  • Happy Halloween!

    And 350 for 15 minutes works too. I love garlic salt on mine :)

    posted by Blogger Running2Ks on 2:41 PM  

  • You know, I spent Saturday morning miffed at people who didn't like Halloween. I promise I won't get miffed at you. I hated it from the time I was 12 until my oldest child could get into the fun of it. Now I like the holiday. And I'm miffed that our church isn't having a Halloween party. Blech.

    That said, I don't like pumpkin seeds; I was reminicing with my hubby that my parents used to make them when we carved our pumpkins. But I never did like their taste. :)

    posted by Blogger Melissa on 2:53 PM  

  • We are ignoring Halloween at our house too-which we can do since we are kidless. The gate is closed the lights are off at the front of the house.
    Bah Humbug
    Guusje, AKA the Scrooge of Halloween

    posted by Blogger Unknown on 6:59 PM  

  • Julie, I have found something we do not have in common. Actually, two things. One, I love orange and black, particularly when they come in the form of jelly beans. And two, I tried to make roasted pumpkin seeds this year, and I could barely crunch one without gagging. I am so disappointed to discover we have these differences, but I shall try to overlook them.

    posted by Anonymous Anonymous on 11:48 PM  

  • I like the candy deals post Halloween. :D

    posted by Blogger mrsd on 11:55 PM  

  • Oh I luuuuv roasted, salted pumpkin seeds.

    But...define feast! Cuz in my family, the day after Halloween is feast day; all day.

    posted by Blogger Saur♥Kraut on 1:28 PM  

  • Pumpkin seeds are one of the best things about Halloween. My mom used to roast them with a little butter - ohmigod - heaven.

    posted by Anonymous Anonymous on 10:01 PM  

  • I just wanted to tell you that I am almost done with "Kite Runner" and I love it! Now I need to read "Life of Pi" to test your theory!

    posted by Blogger Heather on 12:09 AM  

  • Mmmmm, I like roasted squash seeds!

    posted by Blogger purple_kangaroo on 3:19 AM