Sunflower harvesting?

Okay I just went outside to clean up my garden a wee bit.  I found that my tallest sunflower, which had probably grown to about 12' tall, was at the point where the petals were beginning to drop but the birds hadn't gotten to the seeds yet.  So I'm wondering does anyone know the best way to harvest the seeds?

I'd like to save several to plant next year.  I know that I need to just let them dry out.  However, I'd like to use the rest for snacking.  Do I let these dry out too?  Or should I remove them from the head then salt and bake them like pumpkin seeds?  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Jill Marie