Julie's Journal - From the Director's Desk

Fall has arrived at the Detroit Children’s Museum!

• Who is Johnny Appleseed?
• Why does it get dark so early in the evening?
  
• What is a gourd?
  
• Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
  

You can find out all these answers plus a whole lot more at the DCM. Join us this weekend for hands-on activities for all ages. Make your own Johnny Appleseed hat, see our new Fall skies planetarium show and much more.

While you're thinking about pumpkins and seeds, a fun (and yummy) Halloween activity besides carving pumpkins is cooking the seeds! Try this recipe!

Baked Pumpkin Seeds

Preheat oven to 350°F. Separate the pumpkin seeds from the fibers. Wash, drain, and dry the seeds on paper towels. Coat 11/2 cups seeds with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Toss the seeds with salt (or omit salt and toss seeds with any of the suggested seasonings below), and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Deviled Pumpkin Seeds

Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper.

Sugar and Spice Pumpkin Seeds

Add 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice.

Cheesy Seeds

Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.