Grilled Pumpkin Seeds

To get in the spirit of Halloween, the kids wanted to carve the Jack-o-Lantern Sunday afternoon and I realized this would be a great opportunity try and make pumpkin seeds on the grill. 

We popped off the pumpkin top and scooped out the seeds.  Fortunately for me, I happen to have a grill basket with a lid that not only is perfect for rinsing the seeds, but also perfect for grilling them.  One less step!

I realize not everyone has a grill basket, which is unfortunate for them, and I will supply alternative instructions in case you do not have one.

1. Cut off the pumpkin top. 
2. Scoop out the seeds (I find putting the kids to work especially helpful for this part of the recipe).
3. Clean, separate, and rinse the seeds, making sure to remove the "dead," or flat, seeds since you're not going to want to eat those.
4. If you have grill basket, just put it on the grill and shake every 30 seconds or so.  The whole process will take about 10 minutes. Don’t let the seeds burn.  When they start to turn brown, they are done. 
5. Remove from the grill and dump into a pan and add your seasoning while they are still hot.  I used sea salt and some Cajun seasoning, which was great.  Be creative; come up with your own flavor scheme.

No grill basket?  Use a skillet with a lid or cover the top with aluminum foil.  Remember to keep tossing the seeds every 30 seconds and start peeking inside at about the 8 minute mark to see if the seeds are ready.

No grill?  Here is how to do it in the oven:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut off the pumpkin top. 
3. Scoop out the seeds.
4. Clean, separate, and rinse the seeds, making sure to remove the "dead," or flat, seeds since you're not going to want to eat those.
5. Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spread your pumpkin seeds in an even layer.
6. Add seasoning your seasoning of choice, and sprinkle liberally.
7. Place in the oven and after 5 minutes, remove and mix the seeds around with a spatula to keep them from sticking to the aluminum foil.  Check in every three minutes or so from that point to make sure they don't burn. (*If you hear a little sizzle or pop, don't worry, that's normal: it's just water leaving the seeds)
8. To put a final brown on your seeds, you can turn the oven to Broil for one minute.
9. Remove, and enjoy!

Check out the video: