Halloween is not a big celebration in our home. When we were setting up our own household and family and consciously choosing traditions and making our own we chose that Halloween would be pretty low key. One of the things I don’t like about the day is how scary it is for little children. For example last year I took Mavis trick or treating, she was terrified and practically in tears. Thanks all you adults and big kids out there. So we have made traditions that reflect our family values more. We still trick or treat but carefully and forget about all the media up to the day. Anyway sorry for the soap box.
One thing that we do enjoy is the pumpkin. This has been a tradition that is really daddy’s time with the children. It has gotten even more meaningful over the years as we have grown our own pumpkins. I think it has been over 4 years since we have bought a pumpkin. Another tradition is each child has their own pumpkin to pick the picture for (something that has really been challenging Proeun lately). We may have to change this and share pumpkins but the children love it.
Master carver at work.
I get the job of cleaning out the pumpkins and
Sorting the seeds. I love roasted Pumpkin seeds. This year I tried a new method from Serving up the Harvest.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Wash the pumpkin seeds and remove the “strings.” Start a large pot of salted water, bring to boil. Boil the seeds for 1 1/2 -2 hours. Strain. Preheat over to 250 degrees. Spread seeds in single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 45 minutes or until dry and crispy. So so good.
The finished product a flower, scary face and butterfly. Have a great day.