Pumpkin Carving Tips

Carving pumpkins has been a beloved tradition at Grandma’s house for generations. We always took such pride in seeing our jack-o’-lanterns illuminated on the front porch steps; no matter how friendly we made their faces, they always looked so spooky with the shadows from the candles dancing from within. If you are looking to stencil a masterpiece onto your pumpkin or want stick to the customary menacing smirk, here are a few tips on how you can carve the best-looking jack-o’-lantern on the block.

• The first step to a great jack-o’-lantern is picking a good pumpkin. Avoid bruises and try to get one that is firm and with a flat bottom, to help steady the squash as you carve. A strong stem is a great indicator of freshness, so steer clear of those with shriveled or brittle stems. Do not carry the pumpkin by its stem.

• When carving the lid, cut at a slight angle rather than straight down to keep it from falling through.

• Use a large metal serving spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape the insides of the pumpkin. For the best illumination, a 1-inch thickness is ideal for the inside walls.

• Don’t let the seeds go to waste! Set them aside and roast them for a delicious snack.

• Print out a template or draw your jack-o’-lantern’s face onto on a piece of paper that is just about the size of your pumpkin. Cut slits in the sides of the paper to help it conform to the round pumpkin and tape it on. Trace the pattern with a sharp tip from a pair of small sharp scissors, a nail, or a skewer, poking small dots along the lines. Remove the paper and cut along the perforations, connecting the dots as you carve.

• For the straightest lines, use a small knife with a serrated blade (like a steak knife). Cut in a sawing motion, turning the pumpkin with the other hand as you go. If you’re interested in making fancier or more intricate designs, consider investing in a pumpkin carving kit.

• To ensure that your jack-o’-lantern makes it to Halloween, keep out decay by wiping the pumpkin inside and out with a cocktail of 1 tablespoon bleach and 1 quart water. Rub a layer of petroleum jelly on all cut surfaces to keep moisture in and bacteria out.

• A flameless candle is the safest option, but often does not give off enough light.Trying using a bright flashlight instead. If you would like to light your jack-o'-lantern with a real candle, use small tea lights in a votive or in their metal casing and be sure to leave the lid off to avoid burning. Never leave a real candle burning unattended.

• If using a real candle and would like to leave the lid on, carve a hidden hole in the upper backside of the pumpkin to act as a chimney.

• Remember that pumpkins are vegetables, and if left out in the heat, will begin to rot. Keep them out of the sun on warm Indian summer days.  If you need your jack-o’-lantern to last for a party, wrap the pumpkin in plastic and refrigerate. For a pumpkin carving that will really last, check your local craft store for synthetic “funkins.”