Insert the knife and carefully cut straight down toward the blossom end, stabilizing the pumpkin on a towel. Push firmly, working the knife down through the flesh of the pumpkin. Cut it entirely in half.
Let the roasted pumpkin cool slightly, then peel off the outside skin and puree the soft flesh inside if you want to make pumpkin pie ultimately. Check out this article for more information about baking with pumpkins for pies, soups, and other dishes.
Sharp knives are easier to work with and safer than dull knives. Use caution, move slowly, and stabilize the pumpkin before you get started. While carving can be done by kids, this first part should usually be done by adults. To carve a pumpkin, you’ll need a variety of other tools, which can usually be purchased at Halloween stores. Secret tip: Use a clean serrated dry-wall knife for the detail work.
Lay out a hand towel and double it over, then put the pumpkin on top of that. This should help to keep the pumpkin from rolling as you cut into it.
In some pumpkins, you may be able to cut straight in from the top, instead of at an angle. Pay attention to the curve of the particular pumpkin that you’re cutting into. Remember that you want the lid to sit comfortably on the top of the pumpkin, and not fall in.
Sometimes, cutting straight lines will help the lid sit a little better. If you cut a smooth circle, try to carve a notch somewhere, in the back if you like, so that you can fit the lid back on easily.
If there’s not enough stem to grab onto, use a butter knife or a regular table knife (something that’s dull) to pry under the lid and pull it up. There should be some strands of pumpkin fiber that might tug on the lid, but it should come up pretty easy. Run the knife around again a couple times if it’s not coming off.
Dab a little petroleum jelly on the inside edge of the pumpkin lid to help keep it from rotting more quickly. [2] X Research source Read How to Carve a Pumpkin for some fun templates and more information about carving pumpkins.
