How to carve the perfect pumpkin

This fun activity dates back to the early 1800s. Though it was originally associated with the harvest, by the mid-1900s carving pumpkins for Halloween was a treasured tradition for the American family. Here’s a brief guide for carving success.

Choosing the right pumpkin. Here are a few tips from Disney’s Family Fun magazine to make this task easier. First, it’s important to test if the pumpkin will sit flat on a solid surface without toppling over. Also make sure that the pumpkin is not getting soft or has lost its stem. That may be a sign that it’s rotting.

For those planning on lighting their pumpkin with a traditional candle, it’s a good idea to find one that’s at least 9 inches high. Or settle for the LED-lit tea candles found in many craft stores.

Choosing the design. It also helps if the pumpkin design matches the pumpkin shape, so it’s a good idea to have some idea in mind before carving.

A long and lean shape works well for distorted features, while the squat, fat pumpkin will be perfect for not just a nose, mouth and eyes, but for those additional features like cheeks, ears, etc.

There are a variety of sources for templates (try searching online) or at least consider tracing out the design on paper before committing to it with that first cut. To transfer the design, free-hand drawing is always an option, or simply place the template over the pumpkin and score the design with a pin.

Choosing the right tools. Pumpkin carvers are only as good as the tools they employ. Knives of several shapes and sizes with good gripping handles and rigid blades are essential. Avoid those cheap carving kits, because a knife slipping or breaking can be dangerous.

To empty the pumpkin of its contents, most people use a large spoon or their hands. Even an ice cream scoop can work.

But a much more effective option is a Mason jar lid. They come in various sizes, have a sharp edge, and are easy to hold onto. This provides greater leverage to really dig in and clear a smooth path through the seeds and pulp.

Thinking outside the pumpkin patch. Why stop at pumpkins? TLCs family guide suggests a variety of volunteers, like gourds, squash or even white pumpkins.

And instead of cutting off the top of the pumpkin, opt for the bottom for easier placement of a candle. Or lay the pumpkin on the side and have the top of the pumpkin become the mouth of a scary dragon or fierce dog, with the discarded portion being used to create ears, tails or scales.

Kim Grant has written for magazines like LDSLiving, the Washington Family, Back Home, Parents & Kids and Natural Life. She has two novels with Covenant Communications. Her website is at www.kcgrant.com.