Food For Thought: Aunt Jess's Blog

It's almost here... Halloween! And although I managed to avoid talking about it last week, the time has come... for PUMPKINS! Pumpkins are one of my favorite fall vegetables- both for eating and decorating. Not only do they make the most delicious soups and stews, but what would Halloween be without jack-o-lanterns?

Emma & Reed love to come over and do jack-o-lanterns (finally a use for all of those newspapers I've been hanging on to!). Half the fun of it is getting a bit messy as you scoop out the gooey insides and start to carve your ghosts and ghouls, but before you decide to crumple all the gook up and throw it out, save the pumpkin seeds! With a little rinsing and roasting, those pumpkin insides turn into toasty treats. Full of fiber and good-for-you nutrients, they are great with some salt, but you can also jazz them up if you are craving spicy (throw on some chilli powder and red pepper flakes), or sweet (maple syrup or cinnamon). Pumpkin seeds are the perfect canvas for a healthy, crunchy fall treat!