Sunday, October 28, 2012

How to Roasted Pumpkin Seeds


Now that you have carved your pumpkin, and removed the membrane and seeds, it time to bake  up a batch of pumpkin seeds to snack on.


Cut a fresh, well-ripened pumpkin in half.
Remove the membrane and seeds.
Remove most of the pulp from the seeds (leaving some pulp on is okay because it adds to the flavor; for the same reason, do not rinse the seeds.

Heat oven to 300.
Spread 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a shallow pan.
Sprinkle seeds over oil in single layer.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt over seeds.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned; cool.
and enjoy.


Cajun Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Double or triple this roasted pumpkin seed recipe, depending on how many cups of seeds you have. One large pumpkin will generally yield 1 cup or pumpkin seeds, and smaller pie pumpkins will yield about the same amount. Toss a salad with these seeds, sprinkle over a chicken dish, or serve as a snack.


Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 scant teaspoon Cajun seasoning, or to taste
paprika, for more color, if desired
a little salt, depending on saltiness of the seasoning
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil

Preparation:
Rinse seeds well and get as much of the pumpkin pulp off of them as possible. Some of the small pieces are going to adhere, but they won't hurt the seeds at all, and might even add a little more flavor. Pat dry with paper towels. Don't let them dry completely on the paper towels, because they might stick!

Toss pumpkin seeds with seasonings. Combine butter and Worcestershire sauce; stir into seeds until well blended and coated.

Heat oven to 300°. Roast, turning from time to time, for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until nicely browned and crunchy.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

PUMPKIN, PUMPKIN, EVERYWHERE AND NOT A GOOD RECIPE IN SIGHT


       This is the time of the year when pumpkins are plentiful.    After you have carved the face and used them for punch or soup bowls, now it time to bake. I want to share a few recipes some are my old favorite and today I have a new recipe to share. 


 

 
There's no shame in using canned pumpkin. Even professional bakers do it. But if you're using fresh, choose small, flavorful sugar pie pumpkins--and save the big ones for carving.
 
NO BAKE PUMPKIN PIE ( my go to pie every year)

 
INGREDIENTS
* 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
* 1 (.25 ounce) package unflavored gelatin
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
 
DIRECTIONS
1. In a heavy saucepan combine gelatin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in condensed milk and beaten eggs, mixing well. Let stand one minute, then place on burner over low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes, or until gelatin dissolves and mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in pumpkin, mixing thoroughly, and pour mixture into graham cracker crust. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.




Pumpkin Pancakes (all time favorite)

 

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cup Aunt Jermima Original Pancake Mix
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 3/4 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, eggs, pumpkin, oil, and vinegar. Combine the dry ingredients, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Try maple pumpkin syrup. Mix 1/2 c. pure maple syrup with 1/2 c. or so pumpkin puree and a pinch of cinnamon. Heat it up until warm. Adds the perfect touch to these pancakes!These are good any season but taste best on cold winter mornings. You can use canned or cooked fresh pumpkin.
 
JENNIFER CONWAY’S PUMPKIN BREAD (New recipe just try it today yummy)
Ingredients
  • 3 1/2 cups Flour
  • 1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 2 tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Salt
  • 1 tsp. each: Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups each: Granulated Sugar, Packed Brown Sugar
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 cups Canned Pumpkin (Libby's is best!)
  • 4 Eggs
Directions
  1. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.
  2. Add sugar and mix well
  3. Add oil and pumpkin, stirring until well-combined
  4. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly
  5. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 1/2x5 1/4" loaves
  6. Bake @ 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes
  8. Remove from pans and place in wire racks to cool completely