Carving a pumpkin with Mr T - Day 22 - 31 Days of Food

Jack O'Lanterns originate in a Irish mythology where stingy Jack makes a deal with the devil & ends up in neither heaven nor hell, just joining the other wandering souls. The Irish being a superstitious people began to place carved turnips or potatoes with frightening faces at their doors to stop spirits from entering their house.

When the Irish began to immigrate to America in the 19th Century because of the famine they like other immigrants brought their customs with them. However pumpkins being a native squash to the USA where easier to
Get and carve than turnips and were used in their place.

When I grew up Dad would always hollow out turnips for us to create Jack of Lanterns, it was hard hard work, but a lot of fun. Pumpkins first began to appear in our shops only a decade or so ago as they are much easier to work with than turnip.

And wonderfully for me there is a lot more that can be done with their flesh.

Today Mr T, my brother and me carved a pumpkin. It was a great activity to do together full of thoughts, planning, sketching out ideas for the face and then of course the carving and lighting of the candle.

Not to mention using the pumpkin flesh to make muffins. I am trying out a spice blend or cinnamon, freshly grated ginger and finely chopped fresh rosemary.

Recipes to follow after a little more tweaking.

But expect cinnamon scented cream cheese frosting & savory pumpkin soup.

When carving pumpkins always ensure an adult is present when sharp knifes are being used by children.

Send me a photograph of your pumpkin!

That's it for now ...

Nics

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