Halloween is almost here, and things are getting a little spooky in Cathy’s Kitchen!
This week, we’re turning an often-overlooked fall snack into something delicious, using a kitchen gadget to make Halloween prep easier, and taking a little trip down memory lane to when my kids were little.
Because Halloween food doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun!
Let’s dig into this week’s 3 Bites from Cathy’s Kitchen!
🧂 Pantry Pick of the Week: Season Your Seeds!
What do you do with all those pumpkin seeds after carving your jack-o’-lantern?
Don’t throw them away—season them up! 🎃
This year, we decided to experiment with three different Tastefully Simple seasonings to see just how many ways we could flavor our roasted pumpkin seeds.
And we came up with THREE delicious options!
🥒 Dill Pickle Seasoning
For the pickle lovers! This one brings that tangy, savory flavor that’s perfect when you’re craving a crunchy snack.
🐺 Howlin’ Horseradish Seasoning
Want a little kick? This one brings some bold flavor to your pumpkin seeds and makes snack time a little more exciting.
🍯 Hot Honey Seasoning
Sweet heat, anyone? This combination is perfect for anyone who loves a little sweetness with a little spice.
Three batches. Three completely different flavors. One pumpkin!
And here’s what I love about using Tastefully Simple seasonings: you can take something as simple as pumpkin seeds and turn it into a snack that feels completely different just by changing up the flavor.
🎃 Your Turn to Experiment!
Clean and dry your pumpkin seeds, toss them with a little oil and your favorite seasoning, and roast them until they’re crispy.
Start with a light coating of seasoning, taste as you go, and adjust to your liking.
Which flavor would YOU try first?
🥒 Dill Pickle
🐺 Howlin’ Horseradish
🍯 Hot Honey
Tell me your pick! And if you want to explore more ways to shake up your snacks, message me SEASONINGS!
💡 Halloween Hack of the Week: Roast Your Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer!
If you’ve ever roasted pumpkin seeds in the oven, you know it can take a little patience to get them perfectly crispy.
Here’s a fun alternative: use your air fryer!
It’s a great option for making a smaller batch without heating up the whole oven.
Here’s how to do it:
- Clean your seeds. Remove the pumpkin pulp and rinse the seeds well.
- Dry them thoroughly. This helps them crisp up instead of steam.
- Add your flavor. Toss with a little oil and your favorite Tastefully Simple seasoning.
- Air fry in a single layer. Start around 350°F and check them after 10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Continue cooking in short intervals until they’re golden and crisp.
Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your seeds, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Let them cool before snacking—they’ll crisp up a little more as they cool!
The best part?
You can make a few different small batches and let everyone choose their favorite flavor.
It’s a simple, hands-on activity that turns pumpkin carving into a tasty little kitchen adventure.
One pumpkin, a handful of seeds, and endless seasoning possibilities!
❤️ What’s Happening in Cathy’s Kitchen: Fun Memory Edition!
When my kids were little, Halloween wasn’t just about costumes and candy.
We made it about FOOD, too! 👻
One of my favorite traditions was planning something spooky to eat each night leading up to Halloween.
Nothing overly complicated. Just simple, fun food that made the kids excited to come into the kitchen and help.
Some nights, we’d cut shapes out of tortillas to make Jack-o’-Lantern Quesadillas.
Other nights, we’d turn meatball subs into Mummy Meatball Subs, wrapping them up in strips of cheese.
And who could forget Avocado Toast Frankensteins? A little creativity, a few simple ingredients, and suddenly breakfast or lunch had a whole new personality!
The kids loved seeing ordinary food transformed into something silly and spooky.
And I loved watching them get involved
Because here’s the thing: food is FUN!
Getting kids into the kitchen isn’t just about making dinner or creating a cute Halloween snack. It’s an opportunity for them to learn foundational skills, build confidence, and start becoming more independent.
They can wash vegetables, stir ingredients, spread toppings, count crackers, measure seasonings, and help assemble their creations.
And yes, sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes the food doesn’t look quite like the picture in your head. And sometimes you end up with a Frankenstein who looks more like a friendly avocado blob. 😂
But that’s part of the fun!
You don’t need fancy ingredients or an elaborate recipe to make kitchen memories with your kids.
Sometimes all you need is a tortilla, a little cheese, and permission to play with your food.
🎃 Your Halloween Challenge!
Pick ONE meal or snack this week and give it a spooky makeover.
Let your kids help name it, prepare it, and serve it.
You might just start a tradition they’ll remember long after they’ve outgrown their Halloween costumes.
Because around Cathy’s Kitchen, we’re not just making food.
We’re making memories, one bite at a time. ❤️
Happy Halloween cooking!
Cathy
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