Did you know that popcorn is a whole grain? This is one of the many reasons that I snack on popcorn regularly. Another reason is that popcorn is available to purchase in bulk at many stores with bulk selections as are pumpkin seeds! Although I love plain popcorn, I add roasted pumpkin seeds and cold raisins for added flavor.

Pumpkin seeds are nutrient dense, providing manganese, zinc, vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats. They also have tryptophan, which the body uses to make serotonin and dopamine - the happy hormones! You can purchase them in bulk and when it’s Halloween and you carve pumpkins, don't waste those seeds. Roast them and add them to popcorn!

PUMPKIN SEED POPCORN

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds

• Olive oil

• Salt

• 3 cups popped popcorn

• 1/4 cup cold raisins

Directions

1. To Roast the Pumpkin Seeds:

   1. Dry the seeds that are right out of the pumpkin with a dish towel. Spread them out on a baking sheet with some olive oil and salt.

   2. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, flip and bake for another 30 minutes. Check on them every 10 minutes and give a little shake if they’re burning.

2. Combine the roasted pumpkin seeds with the popcorn and raisins!

3. Take a deep breath and enjoy every bite!