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So far Shauna Siegel has created 259 blog entries.

The Flavors of Fall: Delicious Roasted Pumpkin

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for roasted pumpkins that brings out all the flavor of fall. These roasted pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.

Don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds to roast for a snack or to use to top your favorite salad.

ROASTED PUMPKINS

2-4 mini pumpkins or 1 larger pumpkin

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage; optional)

Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze, or chopped fresh herbs

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Wash the mini pumpkins and cut them in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy insides using a spoon. Then cut them into slices for easier roasting. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs if using. Rub the seasonings into the flesh of the pumpkins to ensure they’re evenly coated.

Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and lightly browned. You can check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily. Once cooled, You can now remove the skin from the outside.

Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, drizzle with balsamic glaze, or garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

These roasted mini pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.

By |2024-10-07T08:38:54-05:00October 7th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments

Roast Homemade Pumpkin Seeds From Fresh Pumpkins

It’s the season. You got your pumpkin, and you have decided you don’t want it to be used for cute seasonal decoration. 

One popular way to enjoy pumpkin is to roast the seeds. Be sure to save the rest of the pumpkin for another delicious recipe. 

Here is a basic recipe to get you started. 

Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Seeds from pumpkin

1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter

Salt to taste

Seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, paprika or even cinnamon)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Scoop the seeds from your pumpkin by cutting off the top and reaching in to grab them. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse seeds in  colander under cold water and remove any remaining pumpkin pulp.

Arrange the seeds in single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake the seeds in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Sprinkle on a salad or enjoy as a snack. 

JC Food Now Offering Pumpkins In 3 Sizes

Swing by a JC Food Mart store today to pick up your pumpkins.

Stores are now offering them in three different sizes. Stores are currently offering these sizes will supplies last:

Mini pumpkins – $1.50
Pie pumpkins   – $5 each
Jack o’ Lantern pumpkins – $7 each

Pumpkins are perfect for decorating, and for making your favorite seasonal recipes. Check back for ideas about how to use your pumpkin.

It’s Pumpkin Season!

JC Food Mart Now Carrying Canned Pumpkin Puree

That’s why JC Food Mart stores are now carrying canned pumpkin. It’s arriving in stores now. Pick it up with your WIC fruits and vegetables benefit.

It’s a great choice for adding fiber, nutrition and flavor to your family recipes including pancakes, muffins and smoothies. Spoon a little into your prepared oatmeal, and toddler’s also love pumpkin puree on its own.

 Here are a few recipes you will enjoy using canned pumpkin:

PUMPKIN MUFFINS

3 eggs

¼ cup peanut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup (or use a substitute of brown sugar by mixing a ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup water)

½ cup pumpkin puree

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Mix all of your ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Add mix to pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until done.

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE

1/3 cup of pumpkin puree

1 banana

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of brown sugar – this is optional

Add  all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve cold.

Visit a JC Food Mart today to redeem your WIC benefits for pumpkin puree and pumpkins along with all your other WIC foods.