Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

These pumpkin seeds are well worth the effort. They have just the right combination of sweet and spicy flavors, and they're quite addictive.

Seeds from 1 large pumpkin or 2 medium pumpkins (unwashed)
salt, to taste
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch cayenne pepper
1-1/4 tablespoons peanut oil*

*Can substitute walnut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Peanut oil adds a nutty flavor.

1. After cleaning your pumpkin, put the seeds in a bowl and remove the stringy pulp, but do not wash. (Unwashed seeds are more flavorful.)
2. Place seeds in a single layer on a cookie sheet and salt to taste.
3. Bake seeds at 250 degrees until dry and very light gold, stirring occasionally (about 15 to 30 minutes).
   
4. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of the sugar and the salt, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne. Set aside.
5. Heat peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the baked pumpkin seeds and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and the pumpkin seeds begin to caramelize, about 45-60 seconds.
6. Transfer seeds to the bowl with prepared spices and stir well. Let cool and then serve.