A Brief History of Halloween:

The Celts believed that souls of the dead visited the earth every October 31. All Hallows Eve was the evening before All Saints Day which is celebrated on November 1. In Mexico, they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead starting the evening of October 31. Halloween also marks the end of harvest season. The end of October marks the time that pastures and fields dry up. The animals were brought in from the pasture to be butchered and the remaining vegetables left in fields and gardens were left to rot. This part of the season often brought about reminisce of loved ones that were lost. In 1800's people started to have parties. Part of the celebrations included costumes, fortune telling and games such as bobbing for apples. At the turn of the century, cities were overcrowded and Halloween marked the time to let off steam by playing practical jokes such as turning over out houses. By the 1930's things had gotten out of hand and serious damage was being done on Halloween. There was a movement to have children go door to door and ask for candy as an alternative to vandalism.

What you need: Seeds from pumpkin, Paper towels; Strainer; Salt and Spray cooking oil.

What to do: Set oven to 300°

1. Thoroughly wash the pumpkin seeds in a strainer.
2. Steam seeds for 30-40 minutes to soften shells.
3. Place seeds on paper towels and pat dry with more paper towels.
4. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet and spray with cooking oil lightly.
5. Sprinkle with salt and place in center oven rack.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.