It’s that time of the year again, when ghouls and goblins come out to play, and we all get to unleash our inner artists. Yep, I’m talking about Halloween and the enchanting art of pumpkin carving. In this post, I’m going to take you on a journey through the history of Halloween and pumpkin carving and share my own pumpkin carving shenanigans from the past two years. And as a bonus, I’ll give you a pro tip on drying those tasty pumpkin seeds, and ideas for delicious ways to use your pumpkin leftovers !
The History of Halloween and Pumpkin Carving
Halloween, originally known as “All Hallows’ Eve,” has some spooky historical roots. It traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people believed the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. To ward off evil spirits, they lit bonfires and dressed in costumes. Fast forward to America in the 19th century, and Irish immigrants brought this tradition, including carving turnips (not pumpkins!) into grotesque faces, which led to the pumpkin-carving craze we know today.
My Jack-o’-lantern designs
Although this year I’ve decided not to carve any pumpkins (Halloween isn’t that popular in the UK, and I didn’t find time to do it), I still wanted to share my pumpkins from the previous two years. I’m not a pumpkin carving pro by any means, but I certainly had lots of fun carving them regardless! Let’s dive into some pumpkin carving adventures, shall we?
Cute cat carved pumpkin
The first one is an absolute cutie from 2021: a cat-shaped pumpkin. It’s got pointy ears, a purrfectly shaped nose, and whiskers that’ll make you want to reach out and pet it. Cats have a special place in my heart (you may have noticed some cat-themed posts on this blog already), and having a feline pumpkin on my table just felt right.
It may not be perfect or too elaborate, but I still enjoyed having this cute face next to me for a few days.
Traditional Jack-o’-lantern design
To mix it up, last year I carved a traditional scary face pumpkin instead. You know the one – angry eyes, a wicked smile, and maybe a missing tooth or two. This classic Jack-o’-lantern design never goes out of style, and it’s sure to give trick-or-treaters the creeps. Although in my case, living in an apartment block in the UK, there are no trick-or-treaters and the pumpkin lived happily on my table indoors.
I was really happy with this design. Carving it was fun, and a lot easier than the year before. I had invested a few pounds in a pumpkin carving set and it was money well spent. So much more convenient than using a big kitchen knife! Here’s my 2022 Jack-o’-lantern lit up.
Keeping Your Carved Pumpkins Fresh
Now that you’ve put your heart and soul into creating those fantastic pumpkin masterpieces, you’ll want to keep them looking spook-tacular for as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help preserve your carved pumpkins:
- Keep Them Cool: Pumpkins last longer in cooler temperatures, so try to store them in a cool, shaded area, away from direct sunlight. If you live in a particularly warm climate, consider refrigerating your pumpkin during the daytime and bringing it out in the evening.
- Hydrate the Gourd: Spray the inside and outside of your pumpkin with a mixture of water and a few drops of bleach or lemon juice. This helps to slow down the rotting process.
- Rehydrate with Petroleum Jelly: To prevent the carved edges from drying out, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the cut areas. It’ll lock in moisture and extend the life of your pumpkin design.
- Embrace the Ice Bath: If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, give it an ice bath. Submerge it in a bucket or bathtub filled with cold water for a few hours, and it should plump right back up.
Drying Pumpkin Seeds
After you’re done carving, don’t toss those pumpkin seeds – they’re a tasty (and nutritious) treat waiting to happen! Here’s a simple way to dry them:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C.
- Clean the seeds, removing any leftover pumpkin goo.
- Toss them with some olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasoning (I like a bit of smoked paprika).
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Now you’ve got a yummy, crunchy snack to munch on while you wait for the little ghouls to come knocking.
Pumpkin Leftovers? Try Pumpkin Soup!
So now you’re drying the pumpkin seeds, but don’t let your carved pumpkin’s innards go to waste either! Pumpkin soup is a warm, comforting dish that will keep you cozy on a chilly October night. You can find plenty of recipes online. I’m working on perfecting a recipe I came up with a few years ago and I’ll make sure to post it on this blog once I’m 100% happy with it – keep your eyes peeled for that!
Not a soup enthusiasts? No problem! Look for recipes for a pumpkin curry instead.
That’s it, folks! Happy Halloween
So, my fellow Halloween enthusiasts, get your carving tools ready, because the spooky season is upon us. Whether you choose to carve a cute cat, a scary face, or something entirely unique, remember that it’s all about having fun and celebrating the season. And don’t forget to make the most of your pumpkin – whether it’s through snacking on seeds or sipping some delightful pumpkin soup. Happy carving and happy Halloween! 🎃🐱👻
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