The Last Time I ate Pumpkin Seeds was in Kindergarten

Fall season only starts with eating pumpkin seeds. And what better way to start without a story to tell? So when I was little, actually in Kindergarten, we ate pumpkin seeds for the fall. Probably for celebrating fall since in Miami, I lived in summer all year long.

I ONLY remember the pumpkin seeds though.

Let’s talk pre-pumpkin seeds though, because apparently picking out a pumpkin is crucial. Depends on the design you want, how long it’s been outside, basically choosing the perfect pumpkin might be a little overwhelming for your first few times. Thankfully I did it with friends. Disclaimer: We like to take pictures without our masks just to savor the moment. But trust me, we were social distancing in the big farm field too!

I want to share some farms that have truly been covid friendly, following all guidelines and that I’ve been recommended as well. I went to a few myself, because it’s an experience I don’t get to have in Miami like people do here.

• Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm
• Kuipers Family Farm
• Jonamac Orchard
• Von Bergen’s Country Market

Fast forward to 24 years old, because GUYS I carved my first pumpkin by myself!

Let’s get to work! TIP from my boyfriend’s sister: cut the hole in the bottom rather than the top because as days pass, the pumpkin starts caving in from the top and it starts looking unappealing.

Take all the seeds out or as many as you can. Start grabbing on the gunk. It’s crucial to take out because you want a clean pumpkin when you create your design. I borrowed the tools to create the design, cut and shape. But if you’re interested in the tools, I’ve got some up my sleeve that can help!

Voilà! I carved my first basic pumpkin!

Onto the next adventure… pumpkin seeds!

I would dump the seeds in a bowl with water, so the gunk sinks. I personally left the bowl out overnight, but I’m sure you can clean and damp the pumpkin seeds until the gunk is off too. TIP: I left the pumpkin seeds on a towel until they were completely dry.

Everyone has different taste buds, but mine just so happen to enjoy cinnamon and sugar all in one. With a touch of simple cinnamon-tasting ingredients and steps, these pumpkin seeds will taste beautiful!

• 2 cups of pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 sugar cubes or tablespoons
• 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon

Place the pumpkin seeds on an aluminum sheet on the pan and add in the oven at 325°F for 20 minutes.

I had a blast with the full experience- picking the perfect pumpkin, carving it and remaking my kindergarten pumpkin seeds!