Delicious Pumpkin Seeds

After the fun of carving pumpkins, what do you do with all of those seeds? Wait!  Don't throw them out! Here is a very simple yet delicious recipe for baking them! This recipe is so easy to make that it's almost a crime to throw those seeds away! (Can you tell that I love them?) 20151013_174558

What you need: Pumpkin seeds Water 1/2 c. salt seasoned salt to taste Pam spray

First, separate the seeds from the pumpkin fruit. After you have separated them, place them in a bowl and cover them with water. Then add approximately 1/2 c. salt and stir it into the soaking seeds.

Allow the seeds to soak for 24-48 hours. I like to soak them for 48 hours because the seeds are softer and not so tough when cooked.

After soaking, simply pour the water out and spray a baking sheet with Pam spray. Spread the pumpkin seeds out on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with seasoned salt.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. When preheated, pop the pumpkin seeds in the oven for 3-4 minutes. Take them out and turn them with a spatula. Pop them back into the over for another 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and lightly sprinkle another layer of seasoned salt over the seeds. Voila! You now have a delicious, healthy snack in minutes!

Kids love to make these seeds. Create a family tradition each year after carving your pumpkins! It's a great, inexpensive way to connect with your children and grandchildren!

Diamante's Delicious, Homemade Meatballs!

Every now and then I get a craving for a nice, hot, home cooked meal! These meatballs always hit the spot! Here is what you need: 1 pound ground turkey or chicken, thawed 1/2 medium onion, finely minced 1/4 c. bread crumbs 2 T. minced garlic 2 T. parmesan cheese 1 egg 3 t. salt dash of pepper

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Form into balls about 1 inch around. Fry in a covered electric frying pan approximately 15 minutes and then turn and fry another 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy!! Mouthwatering and mmmm mmmm good!!  Your family will come back begging for more!!

Heavenly Salad

It has been a while since I posted a recipe, so tonight I will post my recipe for Heavenly Salad.   You may wonder why I call this salad Heavenly Salad.  It has been deemed to be heavenly because of its wonderful sweet and tangy taste.  It is also a very versatile salad; it can be eaten with a wide variety of main dishes from turkey to beef to seafood.  It is a wonderful side compliment for many different meals.

This salad is composed of three food groups:  vegetable, fruit and protein (nuts).  Therefore it is also very healthy!  What do you need to make this salad?  Here is a list of the ingredients:

  • 1 apple, cored and diced into bite sized pieces
  • 1/2 c. dried cranberries
  • 4 c. mixed greens ( I like spinach, romaine and leaf lettuce)
  • 1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Ingredients for sweet and tangy dressing:

  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 1/8 c. rice vinegar
  • 1/8 c. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 t. sugar
  • 1 t. lemon juice

In a bowl, combine chopped apple, dried cranberries, mixed greens and nuts.  In a separate bowl, combine dressing ingredients and whisk together until mixed well.  Drizzle dressing over salad and toss lightly to coat salad ingredients completely.

This salad is wonderful when served fresh.  It doesn't keep well in the refrigerator overnight because it is tossed in dressing.  Therefore, it is better to only make what you need for your meal at one time so the remainder doesn't go bad.

Just one taste and I know you'll be hooked!  This salad has quickly become one of my all time favorites!  I hope it will become one of yours too!  Bon appetit!

Recipe for Happiness

1 1/2 c. love1 c. prayer 3/4 c. enlightenment 3/4 c. acceptance 1/2 c. peace 1/2 c. wisdom 1/3 c. understanding 1/4 c. faith 1/8 c. discernment 4 T. gratitude 3 T. fortitude 2 T. goodwill to others dash of hope sprinkle with abundant laughter

Mix together. Add some dreams. Toss in positivity. Allow time to process!