Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle

This Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle strikes an addicting balance between maple syrup, sea salt, chili powder, and a 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 a brittle, pumpkin seeds are surprising and lovely. This particular flavor combo is dangerously good-- You've been warned! 

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Ways to Enjoy this Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Nothing beats a quick and easy, sweet and savory snack that features loads of healthy fats and thyroid-supporting nutrients, and there are so many ways to enjoy this one. It's wonderful eaten straight out of hand. But you could also use it to garnish a pureed soup. If you sprinkled some on top of a salad, I don't think anyone would mind. 

When entertaining, I find that pumpkin seeds are especially appreciated by those who have nut allergies (including my son). Bits of this brittle would make a swanky and surprising addition to a charcuterie tray or your party nibbles.  Yes, there are so many ways to use this Pumpkin Seed Brittle. It even makes a unique, healthy, and delicious edible gift.

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! 

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.

Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!

P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.

 

More Thyroid-Friendly Sweets to Try:

• Pecan Date Dreams
• Gluten-Free Brazil Nut Brownies
• 'Caramel' Nut Chocolate Bark
• Anti-inflammatory Tart Cherry Gels
• Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bliss Balls