Candied Pepitas Recipes

SWEET AND SALTY PEPITAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly oil the foil.
• Melt the butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the pepitas, toss to coat in the butter and then add the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and 1 teaspoon salt. Spread the pepitas on the prepared baking sheet in 1 layer and bake, stirring once or twice, until golden brown all over, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

CANDIED PEPITAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together all ingredients in a bowl. Spread mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake until pepitas are golden and slightly puffed, about 10 minutes. Season with salt. Stir gently, leaving some clumps. Transfer to a bowl; let cool completely.

SPICED PEPITAS AND PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and water until frothy. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, salt and cayenne. Stir the sugar mixture into the egg whites, then add the pepitas and pecans. Toss until the nuts are completely coated.
• Evenly spread the nuts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until crispy. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

PUMPKIN PIE WITH GRAHAM CRUST AND CANDIED PEPITAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. If using fresh pumpkin, roast pumpkin, cut side down, on a rimmed baking sheet until soft, 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool completely. Discard seeds. Scoop out flesh, and transfer to a food processor; process until smooth. Set aside 1 1/2 cups puree (freeze any remaining puree in an airtight container up to 1 month.)
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press crust mixture into bottom and up sides of a 10-inch metal pie plate. Freeze 15 minutes. Bake crust until dry and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
• Whisk pumpkin and eggs in a bowl. Stir together brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, and spices in another bowl. Whisk into pumpkin mixture. Whisk in evaporated milk. Tap firmly on counter to release air bubbles. Let stand 20 minutes.
• Place cooled crust on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour in filling. Tap to release air bubbles. Bake until set, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely. Sprinkle with pepitas. Serve at room temperature or chilled.