Cutting pumpkins to use for baking or to make a fun Halloween jack-o-lantern isn't difficult with the right tools and a few guidelines. You can learn how to prepare pumpkins for both purposes.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Chop Pumpkin for Baking
Step 1. Cut the pumpkin in half on one side of the stem
If you want to bake with pumpkin, learning how to cut it properly is the first step. Basically, you just need to cut it in half, and the easiest way to do this is usually to lay the pumpkin perpendicularly on a sturdy surface and then cut it right down the middle.
Insert a knife and carefully cut straight down towards the bottom, stabilizing the pumpkin on a napkin. Push hard, moving the knife downward through the flesh of the pumpkin. Cut the whole into two parts
Step 2. Alternatively, cut the pumpkin along its “belly”
It's okay to also cut the pumpkin through the center, although it's a little more difficult to keep the pumpkin steady this way, making it a little more dangerous. Take a napkin, stabilize the pumpkin on top, then cut it carefully.
Step 3. Remove the seeds
Use a metal spoon to scoop out the seeds from the inside of the pumpkin before starting to roast it. Most of the smaller roasting pumpkins won't have as many seeds to remove inside, or they'll be easier to remove after roasting. This is very normal.
Step 4. Bake the pumpkin, or cook it according to your recipe
Pumpkins can be placed with the cut side down on a baking sheet lightly greased with olive oil, then roasted in a 177 degree celsius oven for about 40 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
- Allow the roasted pumpkin to cool slightly, then peel off the outer skin and make a thick puree of the soft flesh inside if you want to make pumpkin pie later.
- Check out the article for more information on baking with pumpkin for pies, soups, and other dishes.
Method 2 of 2: Cutting Pumpkins for Halloween
Step 1. Use the right knife
To start carving the pumpkin, you need to remove the "lid" and empty it. To do this, you can usually use any basic kitchen knife. A serrated bread knife, small chef's knife, or any knife with a sharp tip.
- Sharp knives are easier to use and safer than dull knives. Be careful, move slowly, and stabilize the pumpkin before starting. Although carving can be done by children, this first part is usually done by adults.
- To carve a pumpkin, you'll need a variety of other tools, which can usually be purchased at a Halloween supply store. Secret tip: use a clean-toothed putty knife for detailed work.
Step 2. Stabilize the pumpkin on a flat surface
Spread some tissue paper or newspaper on the kitchen counter, or another sturdy flat surface that can be used as a base for carving pumpkins. Opening the top of the pumpkin can be dangerous if the knife slips. Then make sure you stabilize it.
Spread out a washcloth and stack it in half, then place the pumpkin on top. This should help prevent the pumpkin from rolling when you cut it
Step 3. Insert the tip of the knife at an angle
Choose a point about 5-7.5 cm from one side of the stem, and insert your knife at an angle of about 45 degrees. Push the knife through the pumpkin flesh. You just need to push it about 2.5-5 cm.
On some pumpkins, you may be able to cut them straight from the top, rather than at an angle. Pay attention to the curve of the pumpkin you cut. Remember that the lid should rest on the top of the pumpkin and not fall into it
Step 4. Continue cutting around the stem
Pull out the knife, move it to one side and push it back in, continuing to cut circles around the stem slowly and carefully. You can cut some straight lines, cut some kind of hexagon shape around the outside, or you can also try cutting a smooth circle. Both ways work equally well.
Sometimes, cutting straight lines will help the lid to perch better. If you're cutting a smooth circle, try to carve a notch somewhere, on the back if you like, so you can put the lid back on easily
Step 5. Open the cover using the rod
Once you've circled the stem and returned to the starting point, hold the cover firmly against the stem and pull it up. With a little effort the cover should come off.
- If the stem isn't good enough to grip, use a butter knife or a regular table knife (a dull knife) to pry the bottom of the cover off and pull it off.
- There should be a strand of pumpkin fiber holding the lid, but it will usually come off fairly easily. Run the knife around again a few times if it doesn't come off.
Step 6. Scoop out the pumpkin filling, then start carving
Once you've opened the pumpkin cover, you're ready to get your hands dirty. Use a metal serving spoon to scrape the inside, saving the seeds to make roasted pumpkin seeds, if desired. Then design your pumpkin and start carving.
- Rub a small amount of Vaseline on the inside of the rim of the pumpkin lid to prevent it from rotting faster.
- Read the instructions for carving pumpkins for some fun examples and more information on carving pumpkins.
