Muses

To Toast Pumpkin Seeds…You have to Carve a Few Pumpkins.

Last night the Miles’ family gathered for our annual pumpkin carving contest. This all started years ago. I have a picture of me attacking a pumpkin with a rather large knife with a dear golden lab and precious two month old baby in a bopper at my side.

Our Gator, who lived 14 years, is long gone. Well, he is still with us in the back yard. Though I think the stone’s been moved a few times (mowing the yard and all) so I’m not exactly sure where? The baby is now playing linebacker for the Morgan County Bulldogs.

A Gator and Bulldog. Ironic considering this weekend.

Thank God, as the children are getting older – these things are becoming quite fun. This is code for only one meltdown by youngest, for though he could draw his face, actually sawing through an inch of pumpkin flesh was a little much for him.

Today is the aftermath – washing the seeds and picking out all the pumpkin flesh for toasting. All of you who have forgotten how to toast seeds here’s what we do.This is about the height of my expertise in the kitchen.

Toasting Pumpkin Seeds

Wash seeds and sort out pumpkin innards (membrane is correct culinary term).
Blot seeds with paper towel
Spread them out to dry for at least 3 hours. (This is the point in the process I am now. They are spread out drying on an old copy of the Morgan County Citizen – very old copy and well-read copy of course.)
Toss with tablespoon or so of olive oil and place in single layer on baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes. Keep checking those guys.
Sprinkle with salt, chili or curry powder or grated Parmesan cheese. We usually stick with lots of salt.

Enjoy…

Now here are the pumpkins and see if you can guess the winner. My favorite is last. The one carved by my son – who was the baby at my side at the first carving all those years ago.

Here’s wishing everyone a safe and Happy Halloween.

Daddy’s pumpkin

He's the artistic one. And has to show-off.

Our daughter …

Mommy cut out her design. It was a labor of love..

Couldn't quite get the little bat toes sawed out all way.

Our kindergartner’s.

Self-portrait.

Mom’s. Well, by the time I got around to carving out mine, my strength was fading after carving out daughter’s and youngest son’s. My pumpkin was kind of squatty. I stayed with a simple design and let the shape of the gourd be my guide.