Pumpkin seeds, or Pepitas, make a terrific and nearly instant snack. Actually, a totally instant snack if you want to eat them right from the bag, but toasting pumpkin seeds brings out more flavor and makes for a real treat.
Find the heaviest high-sided fry pan you have (cast iron is great, but grab whatever you have… fry pan or otherwise) and place it on the stove over medium heat. Add a handful of pepitas (it’s best if there is just a single layer covering the bottom of your pan) and employ your mitt. As the seeds are heating up, grab the handle of your pan and gently shake over the burner. Watch and listen. Apart from the fun of eating these healthy, vitamin filled seeds, there is real drama happening on the stove. As the seeds heat up, they will get round & puffy, change color and make chorus of little popping noises as they do so. When they are mostly puffed and popped, remove from heat. Don’t let them burn.
Transfer to a bowl and mix with the slightest bit of olive oil and a sprinkling of the coarsest salt you possess. This is a snack presentable and delicious enough to divert any dinner guests while you are getting the rest of the meal together. No guests? These seeds seem to disappear all by themselves!
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