The Day-After-Halloween Candy Fest Derailed

Spicy Roast Pumpkin Seeds

It never fails, every Halloween we end up buying WAY TOO MUCH candy. The next day the peanut butter cups and fun size candy bars start screaming my name and before you know it I'm stuffing myself silly with Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls and Twix bars.

Oops I did it again!

This year I'm being proactive, no more empty calories (and the accompanying inflatable bum syndrome) for me. Instead I'm trading in the Snickers and Milky Ways for my own healthy concoction, spiced pumpkin seeds. With a little tweaking I converted my recipe for spicy cashews to work for roasted pumpkin seeds and it was so easy.



Rinse pumpkin seeds removing all pumpkin flesh and stings then place on a cookie sheet.




Spray generously with cooking spray and sprinkle with a combination of:

2 tablespoons sugar (more if you have a sweet tooth to satisfy)

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Roast in a 325 degree oven for 25 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!




For those who crave something sweet rather than savory try cinnamon and sugar pumpkin seeds.

FYI, pumpkin seeds are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. While they may not be as tasty as your favorite Halloween treat you won't find that kind of nutrition data on the wrapper of your Reese's cup.

If all else fails, donate you leftover candy to a soup kitchen and stop the candy fest dead in its tracks .

Disclaimer: Pumpkin seeds are a healthy alternative to candy but are pretty high in calories, moderation my friends, moderation! Make them extra spicy to decrease the desire to overindulge.