Steve and I decided to put a little more effort into Halloween that year, so after picking out the perfect pumpkin at Fishkill Farms, of course we had to try carving it, too.
It was more work than we’d expected, but we had a lot of fun, and our jack-o’-lantern turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself:)
We put it out on the terrace where it lasted more than a week, glowing in the evenings and bringing a fair bit of Halloween spookiness to New York City.
If you want to carve your own pumpkin, here’s how we did it, along with a few tips:
1. Pick your pumpkin
Look for a pumpkin with a fairly smooth surface that’s easy to draw on and carve. A sturdy stem makes it easier to lift the lid off later. Avoid any pumpkins with soft spots or mold, as they won’t last long.
2. Cut out the lid
Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut a circle around the stem. Hold the knife at an angle, with the tip pointing slightly toward the center of the pumpkin. This gives the lid an edge to rest on when you put it back, rather than letting it fall straight through.
Another option is to cut an opening in the bottom, so you can simply lower the pumpkin over your light.
3. Scoop everything out
This is the messy part. Use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and scrape away the stringy pulp. It takes a while, but cleaning it out properly makes the carving easier.
Scrape away a little of the flesh, too, particularly behind the area where you’ll carve the face. You want that section to be about an inch thick.
Save the seeds while you’re at it. Roasted with a little oil and salt, they make a great snack, and they’re also good sprinkled over a salad.
4. Draw the face
Draw your design on the pumpkin before you start cutting. A pencil or washable marker works well and lets you make changes along the way.
We chose the classic face with triangular eyes and a big grin. It’s easy enough for a first attempt, and it looks just the way a Halloween pumpkin should. If you’re feeling more ambitious, there are plenty of templates online.
5. Start carving
Use a small, pointed, serrated knife to follow your lines, cutting with short sawing motions. Go slowly rather than trying to force the blade through. I find it easiest to carve the eyes and nose first, then the mouth.
6. Add a light
A small LED light is the easiest option. You get the glow without an open flame to keep an eye on.
If you prefer a candle, stand the pumpkin on a fireproof surface with plenty of space between it and anything flammable. Leave an opening at the top so the heat can escape, and never leave it burning unattended.
7. Make it last
Once you’ve carved your pumpkin, it will start to dry out and eventually rot. Keeping it outside in cool weather helps, as does scraping out as much of the damp pulp as you can. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat.
If you’re carving it for Halloween, wait until a few days before so it still looks good on the night.
One last tip
You don’t have to cut all the way through the pumpkin to make a design. You can also scrape away the skin and some of the flesh, leaving a thin layer for the light to shine through. Those sections glow orange when the pumpkin is lit. It takes a little more patience, but you can make some really beautiful patterns this way.
