Pumpkin Seed Breakfast Bread

I always save the seeds from my pumpkins and am always at a loss as to what to do with them. I hate to throw anything away that is usable but I do get tired of the toasted seeds after a while. We started experimenting with the seeds and came up with this breakfast bread. I have made this several times and am pleasantly surprised by how great it is! The honey and spices give it a wonderful flavor and the seeds are a pleasant surprise as you eat the bread. I have made it both with and without the sunflower seeds and have also added raisins to give it even more oomph! This is great as a breakfast bread or snack for the kids. If you choose to use only pumpkin seeds, add 2/3 cup instead of 1/3. This also makes really great french toast! Treat the slices of bread just like a regular bread and fry it up. It tastes great and is a healthier alternative to traditional french toast.

To toast your pumpkin seeds, spread them on a cookie sheet, drizzle with a little oil and lightly salt if you choose. Bake in the oven at 425 F for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool the seeds, shell them and chop for this recipe. If you are shelling the seeds for a recipe, you do not need to salt them. Save any leftover seeds in an airtight container and they should keep for months with no problem.

1 package of yeast

1 cup of warm water

¼ cup honey

4 teaspoons vegetable oil

3 cups whole wheat flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/3 cup shelled, toasted and chopped pumpkin seeds

Place each ingredient in your bread machine in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer. Press the whole wheat setting and press start. Add the seeds at the signal for fruits and nuts OR, if your machine does not have that signal, add towards the end of the kneading process. After the bread has cooked, allow to cool some and remove to a cooling rack to cool completely. Slice thickly and serve toasted or warmed with butter or margarine.

If you do not have a bread machine, make this bread like any other but add the seeds as you finish kneading. Knead them in and set to rise. To cook, bake at 350 F for approximately 35 minutes. The time will vary. Just check it periodically towards the end of the baking time.