Pumpkin Seeds

Don't throw those pumpkin seeds away when you carve the pumpkin!  When roasted they are an incredibly healthy boost to our immune system.  Toasted pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, iron and sterols which remove "bad" cholesterol.  There is an old wives tale that says pumpkin seeds kill intestinal parasites!  Ew - sounds like another good reason to eat them. 

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds 101
Wash seeds and dry thoroughly.  Place on cookie sheet with light layer of olive oil.
Bake at 300 for 20 minutes or until crisp.

Apple/Pumpkin Muesli
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2/3 cup hazelnuts, chopped
2/3 cup rice flakes
2/3 cup millet flakes
1/2 cup dried apples
1/2 cup dried dates or raisins or cranberries
Lightly toast seeds and nuts in dry skillet.  Transfer to large bowl and let cool.
Add flakes and fruit.  Store in airtight container.  Serve with fresh banana milk (1 banana and 1 cup water), soy milk or rice milk.

Broccoli Salad w/Pumpkin seeds
8 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
1 sheet nori, toasted and julienned
5 Tblsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tblsp ume plum vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 cup Vegennaise
2 tsp sweet yellow miso

Place olive oil, vinegar, mustard, Vegennaise and miso in blender.  Blend until smooth.
Toast nori by turning on gas burner and hold over fire until nori sheet turns from green to brown.  Break or cut into strips.  Toss ingredients with dressing.  Serves 6 as side dish.