October 29, 2024
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      Jenn

Hey friends! 🍂 Fall is in full swing, and today, I’m sharing a fun and cozy homemaking day where I bake the best pumpkin bread and roast some delicious pumpkin seeds. I even show you how to make fresh pumpkin purée from scratch! If you’re looking for a fall recipe to fill your home with the warm, comforting smells of autumn, this is it.

I found an incredible pumpkin bread recipe that I’ll be baking in the video—so make sure to watch for all the details! But here on the blog, I’ll share my homemade pumpkin purée process and how to roast those pumpkin seeds to perfection. Trust me, they’re extra crunchy and SO good with the right seasoning.

Making Homemade Pumpkin Purée

Instead of using canned pumpkin, why not make your own fresh pumpkin purée? It’s easy, and the flavor is so much fresher. Here’s what I do:

  1. Pick your pumpkin: You can use a small sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin for this.
  2. Cut and clean: Slice the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds (save them for roasting later!).
  3. Bake it: Place the pumpkin halves face down on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, until tender.
  4. Scoop and blend: Let the pumpkin cool, then scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth.

You can use this purée in so many recipes, including the pumpkin bread I make in today’s video! 🎃

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Now, onto my favorite fall snack—roasted pumpkin seeds! They’re so easy to make and totally customizable with your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients:

  • Pumpkin seeds (from your fresh pumpkin)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt (about ½ tsp)
  • Your favorite seasonings (check out the ideas below!)

Instructions:

  1. Clean the seeds: Rinse the seeds well, removing any pumpkin strings, and pat them dry with a towel.
  2. Season them up: Toss the seeds in olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and your favorite seasoning (see below for ideas).
  3. Roast them: Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Snack time: Let them cool slightly, and enjoy!

Common Flavor Ideas:

  • Cinnamon Sugar: Toss roasted seeds in 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp sugar for a sweet treat.
  • Garlic Parmesan: Mix seeds with 1 tsp garlic powder and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a savory bite.
  • Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper before roasting for some heat.
  • Ranch Seasoning: Use 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix for a tangy, irresistible snack.

Here are some more creative and delicious flavor ideas to make your roasted pumpkin seeds extra special:

Sweet Flavors:

  1. Maple Cinnamon: Toss roasted seeds with 1 tsp cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup after roasting. This gives them a caramelized, sweet crunch.
  2. Pumpkin Spice: Sprinkle with 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of sugar for a classic fall flavor.
  3. Honey & Sea Salt: Drizzle warm seeds with a bit of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
  4. Vanilla Sugar: Mix roasted seeds with ½ tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp powdered sugar for a subtle, sweet treat.

Savory Flavors:

  1. Smoky BBQ: Toss seeds with 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of brown sugar for that BBQ flavor.
  2. Taco Seasoning: Use 1 tsp taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired flavor, perfect for snacking or adding crunch to salads.
  3. Herbed Parmesan: Mix seeds with 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a cheesy, herby bite.
  4. Soy Sauce & Sesame: Before roasting, toss seeds with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.

Spicy Flavors:

  1. Buffalo Ranch: Mix seeds with 1 tbsp buffalo sauce and ½ tsp ranch seasoning for a spicy, tangy flavor explosion.
  2. Sriracha Lime: Toss roasted seeds with a squeeze of fresh lime and 1 tsp sriracha for a zesty, spicy snack.
  3. Chipotle & Lime: Use ½ tsp chipotle powder and a squeeze of lime for a smoky, spicy kick.
  4. Cajun Spice: Sprinkle seeds with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a bold, Southern-inspired flavor.

Unique Flavors:

  1. Everything Bagel: Toss seeds with 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning for that iconic, savory crunch.
  2. Coconut Curry: Mix seeds with 1 tsp curry powder and a little bit of shredded coconut for an exotic, flavorful snack.
  3. Brown Sugar & Bacon: Add a pinch of brown sugar and crumbled cooked bacon for a sweet and savory combo.
  4. Rosemary & Sea Salt: Toss with 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt for a fragrant, gourmet flavor.

These roasted seeds are perfect for snacking throughout the day, and they’re a great way to use up every part of the pumpkin.

Watch the Video for the Full Recipe!

Want to see the full pumpkin bread recipe in action? 🍞👩‍🍳 I baked it in my latest video, and trust me—it’s the best pumpkin bread I’ve ever tasted. Plus, I’ll walk you through the cleaning routine I do while it’s baking. It’s the perfect blend of cozy fall homemaking, cleaning motivation, and delicious baking!

👉 Watch the video here: 

I’d love to hear how your pumpkin bread turns out and what seasoning you use for your roasted seeds! Let me know in the comments below, and let’s chat about all things fall! 🍂