Welcome to A New Year

Happy New Year Everyone!
Blessings to All for a Happy and Healthy 2008.

To start the New Year off right, here is a healhty recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
1 small pumpkin
1 small acorn squash
2 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic
1 onion
1 tsp brown sugar
2 cups chicken broth (low salt)
1 cup water
cornstarch

Hollow out pumpkin and acorn squash. Discard or make spicy pumpkin seeds (recipe below)
Cook pumpkin and acorn squash enough to soften.
Puree pumpkin and squash in blender or food processor.
In a large pot combine water, chicken broth and spices.
Add pureed pumpkin and squash.
Let simmer 4-5 hours on low.
Add cornstarch to thicken as desired

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Blend together in bowl:
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper or cayenne
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Add:
1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds

Mix seeds and spice together. Be sure to coat well.

Spray cookie sheet with olive oil. Pour on seeds. Toss to coat well.
Spread evenly onto cookie sheet.

Bake for about 8 minutes. Turn seeds over and bake for about 7 minutes more.
Cooking time will vary depending on your over so watch them close. They will burn quickly.

Enjoy!