Pumpkin Carving Tips

Find the Perfect Pumpkin
Look for an unbrusied, Larger size, with at least one smooth side. Check for signs of rotting. Do not carry by the stem. Check how the pumpkin sits, look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom.





Prepare the Pumpkin
Cut the top in a circle, cut a tab so the lid fits better

Cut the lid with a large kitchen knife held at an angle to create a ridge so the lid doesn’t fall through. Use a shawing motion rather than a slicing motion. Do not cut towards your body.

Using hands scoop out seeds and gunk into a bowl or bag. Put seeds aside into a colander if you are baking the seeds

Use a soup spoon to scrape the sides of the pumpkin to approx 1 inch thick
( if you have older spoons use those, this process can bend handles. Hold onto the edge of the end of the spoon so you don't bed the handle)

Prepare the Pattern
If the pattern is too big use your printer setts to decrease the side of the pattern.
Cut slits  or fold the edges of the pattern so it smoothly fits on the face of the pumpkin

Tape or use a push pin to hold pattern in place. Poke pattern along all lines with a push pin.
Only piercing the skin is nessisary.


Remove the pattern once all the pattern has been transfered
Rub cornstarch or white flower over the holes to make them more visible



Let’s get cutting!
Take note of areas where you are only to remove the skin, or cut completely away.
Start without he part of the pattern where you need to remove the skin before starting on the cutting. This way you are less likely to break off delicate pieces.

To remove skin cut shallow slices across the area where you need to remove the skin. Cut along the lines of the pattern. Remove the skin between each slice. Dremel sells a tool to do this.

Use a thin serrated knife cut in a sawing motion. The saws that are sold for carving work great. remember not to push to hard on the knife use a light sawing motion.
The mini plastic drills are handily to start the intricate sections.


Light it up
Find a dark place. Use a battery powered candle. If you are using a light candle be careful once a burned area forms in the inside of the pumpkin cut a vent hole where that spot shows up.



Tips to keep your pumpkin carving looking perfect
Use Vaseline on areas where you cut off the skin and areas where the pumpkin has been cut, this stops water loss. Spray your pumpkin lightly with water. Cut your pumpkin a day or two before halloween.



Bake the Pumpkin Seeds
Rinse the seeds, take out any gunk, swish the seeds around under running water.
Shake out excess water. Remove excess moisture with a paper towel
Lightly grease a baking sheet
Spread seeds into a single layer. Remove seeds is there are too many (you  can make more  batches)
Sprinkle with seasoning: try popcorn salt or popcorn seasonings                Seasoning Salt, Regular Salt and or Peppper,
Preheat oven to 325 Degreees. Place on middle rack
Bake for 25 mins, stiring after 10 mins
Keep your eye on them don't let them burn
Let cool on rack for a few mins
Share. To Store seal in a plastic bag

They should be crisp on the ousted and not too hard to chew