Category: Holidays

Entertainment, Holidays, Style

Painted Pumpkins

Lora Knows...

Painted pumpkins are the complete package! They have style, provide enjoyment for all ages, require no carving skills, and there are no slimy pumpkin innards involved.

Here’s what you will need:

  1. Pumpkins, real or artificial, whatever size, shape or color you prefer.
  2. Acrylic paint – choose colors you love.
  3. Sharpee markers.
  4. Painter’s tape.
  5. Assorted painting tools like brushes, sponges, and don’t forget fingers are great tools too.
  6. Something to put the paint on – paper plates work great.
  7. Don’t skip coveringt the table. You can use a plastic tablecloth, craft paper, newspaper or whatever.
  8. Hand wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizer.
  9. Have Fun!
Cooking, Holidays

Yummy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Lora Knows...

Now that the pumpkins are carved, what can I do with all these seeds? Pumpkin seeds make a great healthy snack! They deliciously take on flavor, everything from sweet to savory. Here are some easy recipe suggestions for you to try.

For all of the savory flavors (breadstick, maple spice, and dill pickle), coat the seeds with olive oil, sprinkle on the seasoning, and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F for 20–30 minutes.

Breadstick Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon sea salt
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Maple Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon fine salt

Dill Pickle Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon dill
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the sweet flavors (cinnamon-sugar and cup of joe), coat with melted butter bake and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F for 20–30 minutes.

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Cup of Joe Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ tablespoons espresso powder