### Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle – A Crunchy Twist to Classic Brittle
Indulge in a delightfully crunchy, subtly spicy, and pleasantly sweet treat with our Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle. This simple and festive recipe is the ultimate snack or homemade gift for the holiday season, reminiscent of a fall carnival in every bite. 
### Why Make Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle?
The answer is simple: It’s a tantalizing mix of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy that offers a unique take on traditional brittle. The pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and an extra dose of fall flavor, making this brittle not only mouth-watering but also festive and pleasing to the eye. Plus, it requires no specialty ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. Ready in just 30 minutes!
### How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Making this brittle is super easy, demands basic ingredients, and the end result is worth every minute spent. Let’s get started!
#### Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds (hulled and raw)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
#### Directions:
1. Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the pumpkin seeds with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a bowl and keep it aside.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, dissolve sugar in corn syrup and water over medium heat.
4. Turn up the heat and let the mixture boil until it reaches hard crack stage (300°F) on a candy thermometer.
5. Take the pan off the heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Quickly add the pumpkin seed mixture and baking soda, stirring vigorously.
6. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out thinly using a spatula.
7. Let the brittle cool completely before breaking into pieces.
### How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle
This charming delight works best as a festive snack, a sweet end to a meal, or a thoughtful holiday gift. For a unique dessert, break up pieces of brittle over vanilla ice cream for an added sweet and salty crunch.
### How to Store Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain good for up to two weeks.
### Tips to Make the Perfect Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle
1. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the proper temperature.
2. Move quickly once you mix in the pumpkin seeds, since the sugar mixture hardens fast.
3. Don’t skimp on the spices. They provide an enhancing flavor that sets this brittle apart.
### Variation
For a nuttier flavor, substitute half of the pumpkin seeds with chopped pecans or almonds.
### FAQs
**Q: Can I use other types of seeds or nuts?**
A: Absolutely! Mix and match your favorite seeds or nuts to create a custom brittle.
**Q: Can I make this brittle without a candy thermometer?**
A: Yes, you can drop a small amount of the syrup into cold water. If it hardens instantly and cracks easily, it’s at the hard-crack stage.
**Q: How to prevent my brittle from sticking to the pan?**
A: Using a silicon mat or greased parchment paper will prevent sticking and make it easier to spread the mixture.