If carving pumpkins is on your list this week, be sure to save the seeds to roast and start a new family tradition while you’re at it. You can play it safe and go with basic salt and pepper flavoring. Or experiment with flavors like Ranch, Everything Bagel, pickle, spicy, sweet, salt and vinegar, pizza, taco, bacon, garlic parmesan, BBQ, cinnamon-sugar, whatever you can dream up. Maybe try a new flavor each year. It’s a fun memory your kids will carry with them as they grow older and begin families of their own.

Begin by collecting the seeds from a fresh pumpkin. Place in a colander and rinse, using your hands to scrub away any pulp.

Spread on a dish towel and dry thoroughly.

Place dry seeds in a bowl. For the seeds of one medium-sized pumpkin, add about 1 tablespoon liquid such as olive oil or melted butter. You could even use bacon grease for a more savory flavor. Then toss in desired spices/flavorings. Don’t be shy with the seasonings. You’ll need about 2 teaspoons of total seasonings. Mix to coat seeds.

Spread into a single layer on a cookie sheet.

Bake anywhere from 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes, 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or 425 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to stir about every 10 minutes or so. The whole recipe is subjective. Just cook until desired doneness. Seeds should have a light golden brown coloring.

The flavor combinations are limitless. Just play around and see what you get. Best of all, enjoy making memories that will last for years to come.

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Click HERE to print recipe.