Jack O’Lantern Carving Tips

A Traditional Jack-O-Lantern Face
• Choose a pumpkin that is ripe, with no bruises or nicks. Don’t carry a pumpkin by its stem, because it may break. (Larger pumpkins are easier to carve than small ones.)
• For easy cleanup, place your pumpkin on several layers of newspaper before carving.
• Using a marker draw a hexagon on the top of the pumpkin. Add a small tab on the side so you always know how the top fits on the pumpkin. (Knives are sharp, so it is important that children are supervised when carving their pumpkins.)
• The hole should be big enough to reach in and pull out the seeds and stringy membrane. (The bottom of the pumpkin could also be cut off instead, this will allow the pumpkin to sit up straight and make removing the seeds easier!) Either discard the seeds in the trash bag or put them in a bowl for roasting later.
• Cut a small notch next to the top to allow the hot air to escape.
• Use a soup ladle to clean out the pumpkin. Remove a good portion of the rind from the inside of the pumpkin. This will make it easier to carve the pumpkin.
• Examine your pumpkin to determine the best place to carve his or her face.
• Use a marker to draw your pattern onto the outside of the pumpkin and give it a few minutes to dry.
• Using a paring knife, slowly cut along the outline of the pattern. Make sure to cut completely into the hollow of the pumpkin. Use the tip of the knife to remove the solid pieces and discard them.
• Place a small votive candle or battery operated tea-light in the bottom of the pumpkin and set it outside. Light it up and you are ready to go!