One of my favorite parts of Fall is the pumpkin carving! We don’t get crazy with it, but it’s become a fun tradition. This year I thought I would try roasting the pumpkin seeds when we were done.

The kids were very impatient with the amount of time it took to clean all the goop out of the insides, so I ended up doing that part by myself. And wow, it is hard work!

We found some FREE templates over at pumpkinlady.com. There were so many to choose from, but luckily my kids like the traditional jack-o-lanterns. I’m not that skilled with a knife, so I appreciate that too!

I would tell you that the number one tip for roasting pumpkin seeds is to make sure that they are completely dry before you roast them. These were delicious and I really hope you try them!! Give them a good wash and let them dry on a paper towel lined sheet for 12-24 hours.

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds:

• 3 cups pumpkin seeds dried for at least 24 hours
• 3 TBS butter
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 4 TBS white sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt

Melt butter and mix with vanilla. Toss seeds in mixture to coat. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add dry to wet ingredients and mix well. Lay out on a greased cookie sheet and roast at 350 for 30-35 minutes (tossing ever so often). Let cool on parchment paper.

We baked these while watching Home Alone, cause you know, we like to bounce between all the holidays! It did raise a really heated debate though. Which HOme Alone movie is your favorite? I think I like #1 and #2 the same. Let me know how you vote in the comments below and if you try the pumpkin seed recipe! XO!