There is a variety of ways to carve a pumpkin. Some say soak it first for 24 hours before carving the pumpkin. Other experts say you need to pick the pumpkin right off of the vine, if you can. I've heard from pumpkin aficionados that washing the pumpkin out with a baking soda rinse will preserve it longer. My experience is that sometimes you get a great pumpkin that lasts for days after being carved, and then, sometimes you don't.
Please don't walk right by those pumpkins that are not that perfect round shape. My belief that a carved pumpkin is better the more misshapen it is. The bumps and lumps give it character and can help to bring your carving to life. So, I usually look for the tall, skinny pumpkins that lean to one side. Let the children choose the pumpkin that suits them, it makes carving the pumpkin all the more fun.
Take care to cut the top off evenly, so that it can be fitted back on the top. Next is the gooey, sticky and stinky part of the process. Start scooping out the seeds and strings with a metal measuring cup. I prefer to keep the seeds and bake them, so I put all of it in a colander to begin with. Unfortunately, it will eventually need to be your bare hands to clean it until it is all free of the gooey middle. If you don't clean it thoroughly, the pumpkin will start to deteriorate even sooner. Rinse it out and scoop a small spot out to set the candle in.
Now here is where the real fun begins. There are a variety of ways to carve your pumpkin. Make use of the internet for designs and stencils to use on the pumpkin.
Also, many stores make it even easier and they paint it on. Please for the safety of everyone, purchase the pumpkin carving kit, that comes with a variety of knives, tools, and usually a pattern or two. On top of that kit, I always need a container of push pins.
If you draw the pattern on a piece of paper first, then lay it over the pumpkin and affix with scotch tape. Using the push pins to outline the pattern, usually put a pin every quarter of an inch, more the better. Remove the push pins and the pattern and wipe away any pieces that may become loosened.
Then, slowly using the correct tools, cut out a small piece of pumpkin at a time. Please do not leave your children alone while doing this. Although, the knives are usually made out of plastic, they can still cut skin. Children get anxious to have it done as soon as possible, this is when I gave my children the task of separating the seeds from the strings. Lots of newspaper on the table and a couple of cookie sheets will do the trick. After
washing the seeds well, let them dry thoroughly. Then, salt the seeds lightly and put into the oven at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes. Crunchy, yummy treats!
Check the internet for several sites where the children can “carve” a pumpkin without using a knife. It is a great way to give the children a taste of what it is like without them getting injured. Working on the internet first can also give everyone a chance to try their favorite pattern before putting in on the pumpkin, or change their minds if they choose.
You are finished and ready to display your work of beauty or the scariest pumpkin on the block. Be sure not to set the pumpkin near anything that can burn, and high enough that toddlers can't knock it over. It's usually best to leave outside, where it is cooler and the decay will be slowed down. Happy Haunting!
