TIPS FOR A LONG-LASTING JACK-O’-LANTERN CARVE OUT SOME TIME FOR FUN
One of the most enduring symbols of Halloween is a jack-o’-lantern, and many people don’t consider the holiday complete without one. At the same time, elaborate designs and carving contests have become mainstream, so getting started can be intimidating. You may not be Donatello, but you can up your game with some expert tips to keep your pumpkin healthy and long-lasting. Mind the stem. When selecting a pumpkin to carve, most people tend to focus on the size, shape, and color of the pumpkin itself. That’s all well and good, but the true test of a good pumpkin is its stem.
mishandled and sitting around for too long. Never use the stem as a handle or break it, because the stem continues providing nutrients to the rest of the pumpkin even after it’s picked. Get it all out. Stop — don’t remove the top of your pumpkin! It’s the most common method, but we just explained why it’s a bad idea. If you don’t want your jack-o’-lantern to die an early death, cut your hole in the back of the pumpkin, not the top. Next, it’s time for the worst part of the job — scraping out all the guts. As unpleasant as this process can be, it’s important to do the best job possible. Any stringy bits left can turn moldy and rot your pumpkin. Before carving, the internal walls should be clean and just a little moist. To make the process easier, scrape the insides using a metal spoon. Try electric lights. Traditional candles have several downsides. At the top of your mind may be the risk of fire, but the flame isn’t good for your jack-o’- lantern, either — it can literally cook the pumpkin. To stay safe and keep your pumpkin as cool as possible, try electric lights. Battery-operated candles have come a long way, and LED or CFL lights will give your jack-o’-lantern lots of glow without the heat. Plus, hardly anyone will notice the difference. Incorporate these tips this year to keep your jack-o’-lantern fresh a lot longer. Whether you’re a pumpkin artist or a novice who mostly carves triangles, you’ll have one of the best-looking jack-o’-lanterns on the block.
You want a pumpkin with a thick, green stem because it’s the sign of a fresh, healthy pumpkin. A pumpkin with a broken-off stem has likely been
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKE OF THE MONTH
Slow Cooker Squash, Kale, and Sausage Soup
What kind of noise does a witch’s vehicle make?
Inspired by SugarAndSoul.co
Ingredients •
1 tbsp vegetable oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken broth 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp Italian seasoning 3 cups kale, chopped 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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4 Italian chicken sausages, sliced to bite-size pieces
• • •
6 cloves garlic 1 onion, chopped
6–7 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
Directions 1.
In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring often, then remove from the pot and set aside. 2. Add garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add squash, salt, and pepper. Sauté 8 minutes. 3. In a slow cooker, combine sautéed vegetables, sausage, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook on low heat for 3 hours and 30 minutes. 4. Open the pot and add the kale. Cook another 20 minutes, then add the red wine vinegar and stir to combine. Cook 10 more minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Broom-Broom
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@ExceptionalSmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
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