Fall is here and people are scrambling to put together a festive table for their holiday parties. While there are store bought treats available, nothing rings in the season like creative home-made table faire. Luckily, the possibilities are endless for those with creative minds.

Pumpkin seeds are probably the most common and popular of the Fall snacks. Every jack-o-lantern carved yields cups and cups of these healthy little treats. Much like popcorn, pumpkin seeds can be spiced and seasoned in many different ways. They also can be added to trail mix, granola, or salads. Pumpkin seed favorites include:
• Olive oil and salt
• Grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt
• Cinnamon, brown sugar, powered ginger, and salt

There are two basic ways to roast pumpkin seeds: clean and roast, or roast and clean. If you wish to clean the seeds of their fibrous strands before roasting, place them in a colander and run under cool water then swish them around with your hand. Roasting is quite easy. Place the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake in the oven at 350 F for 10 minutes or until the seeds are golden in color.

“Roast and clean” involves placing the whole mess that comes out of the pumpkin on the baking sheet and roasting all of it until the fibers dry out and fall away.

Brownie pops are a fun snack to make with children. Bake a brownie mix into a Brownie Pop Silicone Mold. Insert popsicle sticks into the brownie pops. Dip the pops into colorful candy melts then decorate with sprinkles and sugars.

Naturally, cupcakes have holiday versatility. Simply decorate with a Fall theme.

Even Jell-O has a place on the snack table. Prepare 3 packages of Jell-O, yellow, red, and orange, using the recipe for Jigglers. Use cookie cutters to prepare Jell-O "leaves." Serve them together in one dish or use them to decorate other dishes.

Labels: Fall Cooking