Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

There are some things in life that take extra effort, but are completely worth it.

Like watching your newborn sleep just so you can catch him smiling. Or taking your favorite coat to the dry cleaners instead of putting it through the washing machine. Or scrubbing every inch of your shower.

No on the shower? Well, you get my drift.

Saving your pumpkin seeds is totally absolutely positively worth every extra step.

I got so pumpkin seed hungry that I invited my friends and their one hundred kids over for dinner and pumpkin carving JUST SO I COULD HAVE ALL THE PUMPKIN SEEDS.

I was like, here's a knife, here's a big spoon, make whatever mess is necessary, but SAVE THE SEEDS!!!! That's the only reason I invited you! Just kidding on that last part, sort of....

And just in case you thought "pumpkin season" was over, THINK AGAIN! We haven't even had Thanksgiving yet. But, if sadly you don't have any pumpkins left, you can do this with the seeds of any winter squash.

First rinse them in a collander, removing as much of the stringy "guts" as you can. Then put them in a medium saucepan and cover with water.

Now this part is crutial. Don't skimp! Pour 1/4 cup of salt in the water (maybe 1/3 if you use kosher salt). And bring the water to a rolling boil for 8-10 minutes. Drain the seeds, but don't rinse them.

Next lay them out on a baking sheet. Let them dry and steam for about 15 minutes. Then sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over them, and 1 tablespoon of good salt. By good salt I mean the fancy stuff.

I just happen to have a container of French Grey Sea Salt lying around (I got it at The Better Cheddar on the Plaza). You can find fancy salts at any gourmet food shop (like the Wine Center or the little shop next to Harter House on Republic Road). Or you could just use kosher salt.

I really think it makes a huge difference.

Then roast them on 400 degrees for 10-20 minutes. Sorry for the huge flexible time frame. You really just have to watch them.

I under roasted some at 15 minutes, then completely burnt some in 10 minutes because I wasn't watching them :)