Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Nothing beats a quick and easy, sweet and savory snack that features loads of healthy fats, and thyroid-supporting nutrients. This particular flavor combo is dangerously good-- You've been warned! 

This Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle strikes an addicting balance between the maple syrup, sea salt, chili powder, and lively shake of cayenne. It's a delicate brittle that breaks apart easily, in case you'd rather use the pumpkin seeds in loose form. But as brittle, pumpkin seeds are surprising and lovely.

A sprinkling of this makes a swanky addition to a charcuterie tray, and I find that when entertaining, pumpkin seeds are especially appreciated by those who have nut allergies (including my son). It also makes a unique, healthy, and delicious edible gift.

This brittle is wonderful eaten out of hand, but you could also use it to garnish a pureed soup. Also, if you sprinkled some on top of a salad I don't think anyone would mind. 

While I haven't tried it myself, I have a strong hunch that a handful of the loose seeds would add a delightful flair to any dark chocolatey sweet treat like my 'Caramel' Nut Chocolate Bark, or these Pecan Date Dreams. But that might be a little too dangerous! 

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Thyroid-healthy Highlights:

• Pumpkin seeds have an amazing nutrition profile and are a great food to incorporate for optimal thyroid and overall health. They are a very good source of phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, and copper, and a good source of iron and zinc. Zinc is especially supportive to thyroid function and helps us convert inactive T4 medication (like Levothyroxine) to active T3.
• Coconut oil has been touted for its potential benefits to thyroid health, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, and even weight loss. It is high in healthy fats, lauric acid, and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs).
• Sea salt is a natural source of iodine as well as numerous other bioavailable trace minerals.
• Although it’s best to avoid large amounts of sugar on a hypothyroid-friendly diet, maple syrup is one of the most nutritious alternatives when sweetener is called for. It contains up to 24 different phenolic compounds (antioxidants), which can reduce the free radical damage that leads to inflammation and chronic disease. 

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Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Yield: 6

Author: Ginny Mahar

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo, Vegan. MAKES 1.5 CUPS.

Ingredients US Metric

• 1 cup hulled pumpkin seeds (a.k.a. pepitas)
• 2 teaspoonsorganic, unrefined coconut oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Pinch cayenne (optional but highly recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300 F and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl whisk oil, syrup, sugar, spices, and salt together. Stir in pumpkin seeds and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired.
3. Pour seeds onto parchment-lined sheet and spread them into a single layer.
4. Place in center of oven and bake 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, and re-spreading into a single layer.
5. Remove from oven and let cool. The brittle will set up and harden as it cools. Break into bite-sized pieces and store in an air-tight container for up to one week. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories

78.25

Fat (grams)

3.60

Sat. Fat (grams)

1.65

Carbs (grams)

10.12

Fiber (grams)

2.03

Net carbs

8.09

Sugar (grams)

4.02

Protein (grams)

2.00

Sodium (milligrams)

93.74

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00

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