It's easy to cut up a pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern with the right tools and guidance.You can learn how to start your pumpkin.
Step 1: The pumpkin needs to be cut in half.
If you want to bake with a pumpkin, you need to know how to cut it.The easiest way to cut the pumpkin in half is by sitting it upright and cutting straight down the middle.Carefully cut the pumpkin with a knife, stabilizing it on a towel.The knife should be pushed down through the pumpkin's flesh.Cut it in two.
Step 2: The pumpkin can be cut across thebelly.
It is fine to cut a pumpkin across the middle, though it is a little more difficult to keep the pumpkin stable.Cut the pumpkin carefully after stabilizing it with a towel.
Step 3: The seeds should be removed.
Scoop out the seeds from the inside of the pumpkin with a metal spoon.Smaller pumpkins won't have a lot of seeds in them, or they might be easier to remove after roasting.That's normal.
Step 4: The pumpkin can be roasted or cooked according to your recipe.
Baking pumpkins can be placed cut-side down in a roasting pan with just a little olive oil, and roasted for about 40 minutes, or until you can pierce the flesh with a fork.If you want to make pumpkin pie, peel off the outside skin and puree the soft flesh inside.There is more information about baking with pumpkins in this article.
Step 5: An appropriate knife is used.
To start carving a pumpkin, you need to hollow it out.You can use any number of knives for this job.A knife with a definite point is a bread knife.It's easier to work with sharp knives.Before you start, use caution, slow down, and stable the pumpkin.The first part of carving should be done by adults.You can usually find a variety of other tools at Halloween stores.The secret tip is to use a clean knife.
Step 6: The pumpkin needs to be stable on a flat surface.
You can carve your pumpkin by putting paper towels or newspaper on the kitchen table or another sturdy flat surface.If the knife slips, it can be dangerous to open up the top of the pumpkin.Put the pumpkin on top of the hand towel.The pumpkin should not roll as you cut it.
Step 7: The knife should be inserted at an angle.
Attach your knife to the stem at a 45 degree angle by picking a point about 2 inches to one side.Push your knife through the pumpkin's flesh.Push it in an inch or two.Some pumpkins can be cut straight in from the top, instead of at an angle.Pay attention to the curve of the pumpkin you're cutting into.You want the lid to sit on the top of the pumpkin so that it doesn't fall in.
Step 8: Cut around the stem.
Pull the knife back out, shift it to one side and cut around the stem in a circle.You can either cut a smooth circle or cut several straight lines.Both ways work well.Straight lines can help the lid sit better.If you want to fit the lid back on easily, try to carve a notch in the back of the circle.
Step 9: The lid should be removed by the stem.
Once you've gotten back to your starting place, grab the lid by the stem and pull upward.It should come loose with a little elbow-grease.If there isn't enough stem to grab onto, use a butter knife or a table knife to pry under the lid and pull it up.The strands of pumpkin fiber that might tug on the lid should come up easily.If the knife isn't coming off, run it around again.
Step 10: Start carving after you scoop out the pumpkin.
You're ready to get your hands dirty once you get the lid off the pumpkin.If you want to save the seeds for roasting pumpkin seeds, you can use a metal serving spoon.Then start carving your pumpkin.If you want to keep the pumpkin lid from rotting more quickly, you can put a little petroleum jelly on it.There is more information about carving pumpkins in How to Carve a Pumpkin.