It's a festive decoration, a bread, a doughnut, a pie, a muffin, a marshmallow, and an on-the-go snack.  I feel that we should take a moment to appreciate the humble pumpkin. 

Roasted pumpkin seeds should definitely become your new pantry staple. They are great for out of hand eating as well as a perfect compliment to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, muffins, and I'm dreaming up a chocolate chip pumpkin seed cookie - oh yes.  So no throwing out those precious pumpkin guts, okay?

Roasting pumpkin seeds is nearly effortless.  I like to roast mine until they are deep golden in color, I like the rich toasted flavor it brings out. 

Let’s talk about trail mix for a second.  I have always had a minor drawback when it comes to trail mix.  My dilemma concerns the fact that it seems there is always at least one ingredient which is less favorable than all the others, and this results in having to pick around said ingredient in order to get to the more tempting elements.  It takes me back to my Lucky Charms days, and not in a good way.  So, when I was dreaming up this trail mix I was determined that every element be equally desirable.  Success!

Freshly roasted pumpkin seeds make their way into our trail mix.  Chocolate, salty seeds, buttery pistachios, and sweet cherries and cranberries - do I really need to convince you?  

Incidentally, this trail mix was declared the "world’s best trail mix" by a very reliable source, and who am I to disagree?  I am pretty sure it has something to do with the equal desirability factor.

This recipe is hardly a recipe in the traditional sense, it’s more of a suggestion with measurements.  There are no pots to wash or onions to caramelize, it’s just a simple gathering of good ingredients. 

Happy Wednesday my friends!

Sincerely, 

  Pedantic Foodie 

Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix 

for the roasted pumpkin seeds 

- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds 

- 1/2 teaspoon salt 

- olive oil, just enough to coat the seeds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

Line a baking sheet with parchment.  Drizzle pumpkin seeds with olive oil and toss to coat.  Add salt and spread the seeds evenly out on the baking sheet.  

Roast for 10-15 minutes or until the seeds are deep golden in color.  Allow to cool before adding to trail mix. 

for the trail mix 

- 1/3 cup pistachios, shelled and roasted

- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 

- 1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds 

- 1/4 cup dried black cherries 

- 1/3 cup dried cranberries 

Toss to combine all ingredients.  Store in an airtight container.  Enjoy!