Thanksgiving in the west: cook the best dishes from Sunset's $50,000 recipe contest

5. Shortly before serving, garnish with shards of pumpkin seed brittle.

Per serving: 382 cal., 57% (216 cal.) from fat; 8 g protein; 24 g fat (11 g sat.); 35 g carbo (0.7 g fiber); 48 mg sodium; 263 mg chol.

Pumpkin seed brittle. In a heavy 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium-high heat, stir 1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Cook without stirring, shaking pan often, until mixture is a deep amber color, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup hulled roasted pumpkin seeds (sometimes sold as pepitas). Pour onto a 12- by 15-inch piece of buttered foil and spread thin. Let cool until hard, 6 to 10 minutes. Cut or break brittle into about 1/2-inch shards. Store airtight, if not using at once.

For more great Thanksgiving contest recipes, go to www.sunset.com/thanksgiving2005

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MONICA BUCK

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