Maple Chai Spiced Pepitas Recipes

MAPLE-ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH SALAD WITH SPICED PEPITAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Trim and discard both ends of the delicata squash and cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove the seeds from the squash and discard. Place the squash cut-side down and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. Toss the squash with the maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on a rimmed baking sheet until evenly coated. Spread evenly and roast until tender and beginning to brown, 20 to 22 minutes.
• While the squash roasts, heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the pepitas, hot smoked paprika, remaining 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the pepitas begin to pop, become fragrant and start to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer the spiced pepitas to a small heatproof bowl.
• Whisk together the sherry vinegar, shallot, Dijon, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl until smooth and combined. Slowly whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
• Toss the frisée with both lettuces in a large serving bowl. Add the majority of the spiced pepitas, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese crumbles, reserving some of each for garnish. Evenly drizzle the dressing around the rim of the bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Add the roasted squash and toss to combine. Garnish with the remaining pepitas, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese and serve.

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.

MAPLE-CHAI PUMPKIN MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin, syrup, coconut oil, milk and vanilla until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Fold in 1/3 cup pepitas. , Fill greased or foil-lined muffin muffin cups three-fourths full. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon pepitas. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm., Freeze option: Freeze cooled muffins in freezer containers. To use, thaw at room temperature or, if desired, microwave each muffin on high until heated through, 20-30 seconds.

SPICED PEPITAS

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F.
• Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the pumpkin seeds out onto the tray and roast until the seeds are lightly toasted, about 12 minutes.
• Add the toasted seeds to a large bowl along with the olive oil, and toss. Add the spices and toss again. Season the seed mixture with sea salt, to taste and serve.