We’re getting toward that time. Time to figure out what we’re doing with the various pumpkins we have around. Are they going to be carved? Or drawn on? Or is someone going to think they are truly skilled at this and try to sculpt something into the flesh of the gourd?
First, I should probably not be trusted with sharp objects. Drawing something on a pumpkin is probably the far safer option. And it will likely lead to me ended the day with the same number of fingers I start with. Since this is a family activity and will have children present, this is a good thing to consider. We don’t want children missing digits, and as exciting as they would find the process of me trying to carve off a finger or two, I would rather not entertain them in such ways.
But while drawing something on a pumpkin is safer, it doesn’t show up as well at night. And it really doesn’t honour the jack-o-lantern tradition.
Speaking of which, apparently early jack-o-lanterns were various root vegetables, like turnips, hollowed out with a face carved in it. I can’t quite imagine carving a turnip. They’re a lot harder than your average pumpkin and probably wouldn’t be easy to carve. Your carving tools would probably have to include chisels and other various sharp objects. So I think I’ll stick with pumpkins.
Although not all pumpkins are up for being carved. At least around my place. There is a green pumpkin that has appeared at our house. I’m told that is not a carving pumpkin, because it looks cool on it’s own. Fair enough. Fingers safe on that one.
But there are a couple plain old orange pumpkins that could be in need of a face. Pumpkin carnage may ensue.
And I’ve been noticing a few people posting about a new way to clean the insides out of your pumpkin. You cut the top off as usual, but then you take an electric mixer to the insides, run the beaters around a bit, free up the pumpkin goop on the inside and dump it out. That might be fun to at least try. And for once, I won’t be in a rush to lick the beaters.
