Maple Chai Spiced Pepitas Food

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.

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.

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE OVERNIGHT OATS WITH MAPLE PEPITAS

Steps:

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the milk coffee, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a good pinch of kosher salt.
• Stir in the oats and chia seeds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. (If you want to make things super easy for yourself in the a.m., divide the oats between two jars or Tupperware containers before refrigerating, so you can grab and go.).
• maple pepitas: Line a plate or cutting board with a piece of parchment. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the pepitas. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the pepitas are lightly browned. (They will make a little popping noise as they toast.
• Add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring regularly, for 1 minute more. Transfer the pepitas to the parchment and let cool completely, about 10-15 minutes. Break up any large clumps with your hands.
• When you're ready to serve, give the oats a good stir and spoon them into jars or bowls (if you haven't already.
• Top with candied pepitas and hemp seeds (if using).