For 20 years, our family has had a special pumpkin-carving tradition with Papa. When the kids were young, their favorite part was picking shapes for the faces—triangles for eyes, zigzags for mouths, and even some creative asymmetrical designs. Carving the pumpkin also opened the door to share the Gospel. As the kids got older, their designs became more creative, reflecting their unique personalities and interests. I cherish these memories.
But one of my favorite parts has always come after the carving. All those scooped-out seeds meant one thing—roasted pumpkin seeds! While the kids couldn’t wait to light up their pumpkins, my mouth was watering for that crunchy, salty snack. Pumpkin seeds aren’t just tasty; they’re loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients like magnesium and zinc.
And here’s the best part—roasting them at home is so easy. It takes just a few steps to turn those slimy seeds into a snack that’s perfect for movie night, lunchboxes, or sprinkling on salads.
Delicious Pumpkin Seeds
Here’s the simple recipe I use every year to make them extra tasty:
- 1 ½ tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds (washed)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, salt, and Worcestershire sauce until well coated.
- Spread the seeds evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 hours, stirring periodically, until the seeds are golden and crisp.
- Let cool slightly before enjoying!
These roasted pumpkin seeds are always a hit with kids and adults alike. You can even get creative by adding cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version or paprika and garlic powder for a savory twist.
Fall into Fun
Fall is such a beautiful time to create memories. Whether it’s carving a pumpkin, roasting seeds, reading fun books about fall, or jumping into piles of crunchy leaves, these months invite us to slow down, savor the season, and enjoy simple traditions together. All you have to do is decide which one to do first!
Fall Ideas
- Fall Books for Kids
- Pumpkin Gospel Packets: Preschool and Elementary-Age
- Fall Activities and Crafts
- Fall Poems and Songs
- What to Do When a Child Doesn’t Like the Feel of a Pumpkin
