Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Pumpkin Seed Snack Pack




Parched; that's a strange word isn't it? It is a term for dry roasting or toasting. I see a lot of ideas and recipes around for roasting pumpkin seeds. I don't roast them, I parch them in a skillet, just like my mom use to. My grand father grew peanuts on his farm and one way they prepared them to eat was parching them. I have no idea if this is a term used anywhere other than the south, but is a good and easy way to have delicious pumpkin seeds. This is how my mother always prepared peanuts in the shell, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

I usually roast my pumpkins whole, (small pie pumpkins will have a nicer seed) then scoop out the seeds. Start with cleaned pumpkin seeds (raw is ok, roasting the pumpkins isn't necessary) and put them into a pot. Add water until it's an inch or so over the top of the seeds. Add salt, 1/2 tablespoon of salt per cup of seeds. Bring to a low boil and simmer for about ten minutes. Drain in a colander then spread on a cookie sheet to dry. Now your seeds will be nicely salted with out all the salt falling off or the use of oils.



The pumpkin seeds are good just like this if you want to stop here, but to complete the parching process place them in a large skillet and slowly toast the seeds stirring occasionally until they just begin to brown. 



Remember the Pumpkin Seed Templates I made a while back? They make good serving size bags for your parched pumpkin seeds. Wouldn't these make fun packets to fill and use? I slide a Pumpkin Seed Packet filled with Parched Pumpkin Seeds into my purse as I head out the door. 

My favorite mix is to add a tablespoon of seeds, a tablespoon of raisins  and a dozen almonds to a packet. Keep in mind that if you roast or parch your seeds using any oil or butter on them, the oils will stain the paper seeds packets. Use waxed paper pocket inserts to keep oils from seeping through the paper.





Click here to print the seed packet on the left, the green one, without the words "Instructions" written at the bottom. 
Click here to print the seed packet on the right, the dusty one, without the words "Instructions" written at the bottom.  
If you like the "Instructions" written at the bottom then go here to see that post and print those packets. 

Have you heard the term 'parching' before?
I link at these parties.
I have had a lot of content theft lately. If you are reading this post anywhere else but at Family Home and Life then it was used without permission! Copyright© Family Home and Life 2012 All Rights Reserved

25 comments:

  1. I had never heard the term but I didn't grow up in the south! You are just amazing with all the things you do and all the details -- like the reminder that oils would soak through! Great job!!

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  2. Hi from your new follower through GFC...I have nominated you for the Liebster Award to find out more about the award, visit my blog( you can click on My name is Nicole Nolley above).....Blessings Nicole

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  3. Yum, thanks for sharing! Would love it if you linked up on my blog hop www.w-t-fab.com/search/label/bloghop. Also let me know if you'd like to follow each other!

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  4. LOVE the pouches!! You did such a great job!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer... From Dream To Reality!

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  5. i looove pumpkin seeds! this is such a cute way to package them.

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  6. I haven't heard of "parching" your seeds, but it looks yummy! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!

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  7. Hmmm. I had never heard of parched in regards to drying out pumpkin seeds. Thanks for teaching me something new. I love that you made cute little bags to put your toasted pumpkin seeds in. They are so adorable.

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  8. We love pumpkin seeds and this is the most adorable way to package 'em!

    Thanks for stopping by and sharing at our linky party!

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  9. We always did them in the oven but I like this idea / it looks easier, actually! :)

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  10. This brings back memories of my childhood. Thanks for the pictures and imagined tastes!

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  11. Hi Connie,
    I have never heard of this term, but they sure look good. I haven't roasted pumpkin seeds in years. I should try it again. Thanks for sharing your recipe and cute template with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  12. I haven't heard of the term "parched" either. Very interesting. I like how you roasted the seeds over the stove. I always use the oven, but this looks a lot easier. Your seed packets are adorable. What a cute way to send a greeting to a co-worker or friend.

    I wanted to invite you to share your post on my blog, Confetti Diaries, link party this week. I know my readers would love learning about the word parched and seeing such great inspiration. Hope you'll join us!

    http://confettidiaries.com/2012/11/wednesdays-goody-bag-link-party-9/

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  13. I haven't heard of this, so could you use this same technique with peanuts?

    Thanks for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
    Leslie
    www.violetimperfection.com

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  14. My grandmother makes pumpkin seeds exactly like this! Crazy!!

    Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection. Please come back Friday to see if you were featured! Happy Thanksgiving! :)

    Lanaya
    www.raising-reagan.com

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  15. This is just the way my dad makes them as well- in his old cast iron skillet. Nothing beats salted pumpkin seeds. I love your printable! So cute and a great idea to give out as presents! I'm glad I "hopped" on over. You gained a new follower :)

    Lacey,
    likeplayinghouse.com

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  16. I'll have to try this process of parching pumpkin seeds. Thanks for posting about it. Glad you linked up at Romance on a dime. Pinning this!!

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  17. I love pumpkin seeds, but I've never actually parched them. I will have to try this. Thanks so much for the great directions! I love the adorable pouches. Thank you so much for sharing again this week at A Bouquet of Talent. Have a wonderful week and a Happy Thanksgiving.

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  18. We love making pumpkin seeds, but like others, we've never parched them. Your pouches are beyond cute too. Thanks for sharing at Must Try Monday.

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  19. Looks yummy! Thanks for linking with Raising Imperfection!

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  20. Nice printables! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  21. Love this little packet of seeds! Thanks for sharing at All my Bloggy Friends. I'm looking forward to seeing what you share this week! :)

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  22. Isn't that clever! Thanks for linking up. I've pinned this.

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  23. Congrats! You've been featured on this week's Martha Mondays :) Head on over to grab a button and do a little bragging - you deserve it!

    http://www.watchoutmartha.net/2012/11/martha-mondays-link-up-party-features_25.html

    Amanda
    www.watchoutmartha.net

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Thank you SO much for taking the time to leave a comment!