Pumpkin Seed Hard Candy Recipes

PUMPKIN SEED CANDY

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add pepitas; toast, stirring constantly until seeds pop and become slightly golden, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• Place sugar and honey in a small saucepan.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar, about 3 minutes.
• Add pepitas, and continue cooking until temperature registers 285° on a candy thermometer, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Remove from heat, and stir in cold butter.
• Let the mixture cool to 240°, about 4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, brush the inside of fifteen 1-inch-diameter black paper cups with melted butter, reserving 1 tablespoon.
• Spoon a scant tablespoon of the honey mixture into each cup.
• Brush a clean work surface with the remaining butter, and spoon the remaining honey mixture on it so mixture will continue to cool.
• When remaining candy is stiff and cool enough to handle, about 6 minutes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces with a greased knife.
• Wrap in cellophane.

CANDIED PUMPKIN SEEDS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk brown sugar, water, salt, molasses, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg together in a medium mixing bowl. Add pumpkin seeds and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until crispy, stirring halfway through, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir, then carefully slide or lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet and set on the counter to cool completely. Break up any clumps with your hands and serve.

CANDIED PUMPKIN SEEDS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Spread into a greased foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. , Bake, uncovered, until seeds are well-glazed, 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool completely; break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

PUMPKIN SEED TOFFEE

Steps:

• Grease a 15x10x1-in. pan with 1 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, melt the remaining butter. Stir in the sugar, water, corn syrup, pie spice and salt. Cook, stirring continuously, over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage)., Remove from the heat; stir in pumpkin seeds. Immediately pour into prepared pan. Let stand at room temperature until cool, about 1 hour. Break or cut into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

CRISPY, CRUNCHY PUMPKIN SEEDS

Steps:

• Separate seeds from pulp and rinse under warm water. Pick out remaining pulp. Shake off excess water, place on a towel, and roll up. Let dry in a warm location for 2 to 3 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or foil.
• Mix dry pumpkin seeds and melted butter together in a bowl. Sprinkle on garlic salt, onion salt, and paprika. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crisp, stirring halfway through, about 45 minutes. Let cool and store in an airtight container, but they taste amazing warm, too.

CANDIED PUMPKIN RECIPE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the pumpkin in the butter until tender, about 20 minutes. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in the syrup, ginger, and cinnamon; remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to a bowl and cover. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.