Carve Your Own Lantern for Halloween

Pumpkins are the iconic symbol of Halloween, inspired by the autumnal pagan festival that inspired the modern day sugar fest.

To get yourself in the Halloween spirit, why not carve your own pumpkin as a festive ornament?

Traditionally, pumpkins are dark green skinned, but any pumpkin will do. Carving a pumpkin is very definitely a grownup activity. If you have small and eager helpers, give them the job of sketching out the pumpkin's face in pencil on the skin.

• Carved pumpkins are usually used as lanterns at Halloween, so start by cutting a circle out of the top to scoop out the seeds and any stringy flash. You can set the seeds aside, sprinkle them with salt and olive oil and bake them if you wish.

•  Use a very sharp knife. If the pumpkin seems particularly hard, you may like to roast it for a few minutes until the skin softens a little (take care not to overcook or it will be too soft to hold its shape). Cut upside down triangles for eyes and a right side up triangle for the nose. Usually the mouth is smiling and has a couple of teeth sticking up from the bottom.

 
It is best to keep the design simple, given the medium you are working with. Once completed, leave the pumpkin to dry a little and put a tea light candle inside to light at Halloween.

You could also carve a pumpkin to have as part of a Halloween feast and roast it once it is carved.