IT's TIIIIIIME!!!

Pumpkin TIME! That is!!

It is Ironic, to me, that my fave time of year, falls within Scorpio season (my being a Sagittarius and all) but let me clarify: Specifically, I love the start of Fall! The "season" between Canadian Thanksgiving & US Thanksgiving. Why? I'm sure you are clued in - IT'S PUMPKIN SEASON!

I Love LOVE Pumpkin!
Seeds: alone or in stuff...
Flesh: Baked, Mashed, Crisps, Fingers (*baked "Fries") and to be honest, I'm not a HUGE Pumpkin pie fan, but hell, I'll have a lil piece!

Did you know that pumpkins are actually a fruit? Because of their seeds, they are part of the gourd family which includes squash AND melons. Who knew fruit was so versatile?!Looky thayer, you learnt-ed something! LOL! AND, you're getting some FUN food! 

Here are a couple of my fave recipes!

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients

• 11/2cup Seeds apprx 1 medium-large pumpkin (Scoop out, wash off seeds, pat dry with paper towel)
• 1tsp onion power
• 2tsp cayenne pepper
• 1tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1tsp brown sugar *optional (They're VERY spicy, so you can use the sugar to tone it down, some)

Method

• Place all spices in a resealable freezer bag, mix & add Pumpkin seeds
• Spread them out in a single layer in a baking dish or pie plate
• Bake in a low oven (250°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until well dried (*they puff slightly)
• TIP: If you can smell them, they're done!
• Allow to cool
• Remove to serving dish

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Kale with Pumpkin Seeds & Pomegranate
Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 lb kale leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1TBsp coconut oil
• 2tsp Apple Cider vinegar
• 1tsp Pomegranate Juice
• 1 TBsp toasted pumpkin seeds
• 2 TBsp Pomegranate buds

Method

• In a pot, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt and kale in enough water to cover. 
• Let stand for 30 minutes.
• Drain the kale, leaving any water clinging to leaves.
• In the same pot over medium-high heat, warm the oil.
• Add the kale and cook, tossing occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until wilted.
• Add the vinegar/juice and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt.
• Toss.
• Serve sprinkled with the seeds & Pomegranate

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Savory Pumpkin Fingers

Ingredients

Large "Eating" Pumpkin (Sugar Mill is nice!)

Savory Spice Mix

1 tsp celery salt

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp onion powder

1 tbsp olive oil

Method

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds (use them for the recipes above!)
• Optional > Remove the skins with a potato peeler.
• Cut into strips, similar to french fries. They won’t be perfect, but close enough. About 1/4 to 1/2 inch in thickness all the way around is perfect.
• Place your cut pumpkin and olive oil in a resealable plastic bag.
• Add 1-2 tbsp of the spices* & Shake until the pumpkin is well coated in oil and spices.
• Arrange the fries on a parchment lined cookie sheet so that they are in a single layer
• Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the squash is soft and easily pierced with a fork.

*These can also be done sweet, with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove & a little Maple Syrup

As I said, I don't really mess with pumpkin pie but you can try THIS RECIPE that was passed onto me!

(*Feel free to let me know what you think of any of these recipes)

 A Little BONUS INFO (Since November is Men's Health Month) ::
In addition, to being delicious & and excellent source of Magnesium (150mg/oz) & ALA Omega-3s, these seeds may help men experiencing symptoms from an enlarged prostate.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) constricts the urethra, causing discomfort and urinary problems.

Phytosterols, plant-based chemicals in pumpkin seeds, may be responsible for shrinking the prostate and relieving symptoms. The seeds may also help prevent some transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT); high DHT levels are associated with enlarged prostate.

Eat Intelligently, Be AMAZING!

Enjoy,
Mia

ps - for more info about Prostate Cancer, awareness, prevention, you can CLICK HERE
To learn more about or participate in fund raising in Support of Men's Health click :: Movember