Alright, maybe that title should more accurately read: Tara, Tara, Pumpkin Eater! But alas, that just doesn’t rhyme and I’m a tad OCD, okay?! Tangent – why are old nursery rhymes so creepy? Seriously, have you ever REALLY listened to the words? Disturbing…
Nevertheless, HAPPY HALLOWEEN, Moms Blog friends! =)
During this time of year, I am guilty of devouring almost anything and everything pumpkin flavored. I mean come on, how can one pass up on the delightful taste of pumpkin when it’s incorporated into all of your favorite dishes?! Confession: I am not a huge fan of pumpkin pie — unless it is doused in whipped cream (I think it’s a texture thing.) And while all those pumpkin spice lattes smell delicious, they’re just not my thing. I have yet to come on board as a coffee drinker. I know, I know, I’m truly not an American, huh?!
But anyway, this week our family spent some good quality time destroying the carpet on our back deck while painting pumpkins and carving out jack-lantern faces. =) Making memories is messy! And, well… I’m not one to waste perfectly delicious brains, so here are some delectable recipes to put those babies to good use! (And feel free to use store bought pumpkin in a can. Seriously, no judgment here. As a mom of 3 young kiddos, I’m all about convenience!)
Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds:
1 cup pumpkin seeds
4-5 tablespoons honey
Brown sugar
Sea salt
Instructions:
-Preheat your oven to 300
-Rinse those seeds of all the gooey orange fibers (brains), and lay out to dry
-Once dry, mix the seeds and honey in a bowl
-Spread over a baking sheet
-Bake for 30 minutes then remove to sprinkle a desired amount of brown sugar and sea salt
-Place back in oven, and bake for about another 30 minutes
**Tips**
-Don’t use aluminum foil to line your bakeware – the honey will stick!
-Don’t overcook brown sugar – it can result in bitterness!
Pumpkin French Toast:
4 -5 slices Texas toast (or thick bread)
4 eggs
2 cups milk
¾ cup pumpkin
1 tablespoons sugar
½ tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
dash of salt
Instructions:
-Preheat oven to 350
-Slice bread into strips
-In separate bowl, combine: egg, milk, pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt
-Dip bread strips into batter, making sure to coat both sides
-Bake on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for 15 minutes, then flip
-Bake an additional 15 minutes
ENJOY! And try not to steal all of your munchkin’s candy tonight! Oh, who am I kidding… parent-candy-bucket-raiders UNITE!!! 😀 (Hey, that rhymed!)
