Last Thursday I spoke about going to a pumpkin patch and picking out my very own pumpkin. Well, this weekend that pumpkin was carved.
Carving pumpkins is always a lot of fun. First I like to draw a representation of the art I'd like to put on the pumpkin. Then, I clear a space where I can put down some newspapers to keep the area clean. That's when the real fun starts. I cut a circle around the pumpkin stem big enough to fit my hand in to carve out the insides. Once that's done I grab a spoon or scooper and begin to clear out the inside of the pumpkin.
I'm a big advocate of not creating waste. So I like to save all the carvings for other purposes. What I do is I scoop out the seeds and place them into a bowl with some cold water. I also have another bowl ready to store the "meat" of the pumpkin.
Article Photos
Dusten Rader
Once the pumpkin is hollowed out, I either trace the art on the skin of the pumpkin, or I hold the paper to the skin to carve the design. This can be a difficult process, one that requires attention to detail and concentration. My advice is to use a serrated knife or carving tool for the bulk of the carving, and use a thin, sharp knife for detailing. When I've finished the art I place a tealight candle in the interior of the pumpkin, turn out the lights and check to make sure that it looks the way I want it to in the dark. If I need to make any adjustments then I use the detailing knife to touch up any mistakes.
For me, carving a pumpkin isn't just about the fun of creating a Jack O' Lantern. I prefer to use the "meat" of the pumpkin to make pies, soups and more. Out of one pumpkin I was able to make three pies. One pie was of a classic nature with honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, apple cider and maple syrup. For the second pie I used the same basic ingredients but added cream cheese to make it like a cheese cake. And, the third I brewed some coffee, and used the grounds to make a pumpkin latte pie. I also used the seeds which were sitting in a bowl with cold water. I separated all the seeds from the pulp by hand, washed them, then coated them with a mixture of honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and sea salt. Then I sprayed a baking sheet with non stick cooking oil and baked the seeds.
The pies, seeds and pumpkin all turned out great. If you're interested in seeing the before and after photos of my pumpkin, I've uploaded pictures to my Facebook. If you're not my friend on Facebook, you can search for my name.
If you end up carving a pumpkin this Halloween, I'd love to see it. Add me as a friend on Facebook and send me a link to your photos. On that note, have a happy and safe Halloween.
HIGHLIGHTS
Rolling Hills Radio Presents Jeff Riales, Matt Homan And The Bluegrass Disciples: Jeff Riales, an award-winning singer-songwriter with four albums under his belt, will appear on "Rolling Hills Radio" with Matt Homan and the Bluegrass Disciples, a bluegrass band composed of seasoned performers. The Bluegrass Disciples are Matt Gronquist on mandolin, Stan Barton on fiddle, Mark Mincarelli on banjo and Brian Derby on bass.
The show is scheduled for today from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. at The Labyrinth Press Company, 12 E. Fourth St. in Jamestown.
Tickets are available at the door for $5 the night of the performance (as long as they last). Or, one can buy them ahead of time at the Reg Lenna Box Office or online at reglenna.com.
The Lucille Ball Little Theatre Announces Auditions For "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry:" Auditions will be held on Monday and Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m. at the theatre on East Second Street. Auditioners should be prepared to read in various voices, ages, accents and characterizations.
The cast consists of three males and two females, ages 25 through 50, who will be playing some 30 characters that comprise the radio broadcast style script. Bob Terreberry, director, is also looking for "live sound effects technicians" who will be creating all the radio sound effects live during the performances.
Play dates are Dec. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16.
Affiance CD Release Tour Featuring Red Light Departure And Phantasm: Relik Productions presents "The Campaign," the newest album from Affiance. The band will celebrate the release of the new album at The Gateway Center, 31 Water St. in Jamestown, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m.
The show will feature several bands including Sirens and Sailors of Rochester, A Faylene Sky of Providence, R.I., Red Light Departure of Jamestown, Phantasm of Philadelphia, Pa., Norm From Cheers of Buffalo and Dunkirk, and Word Of A Wise Tale of Bradford.
Tickets are $10 at the door, and $15 VIP tickets feature an Affiance meet and greet, a signed copy of "The Campaign," early entrance to the show, and an Affiance poster.
For more information visit facebook.com/events/115360558621277.
1891 Fredonia Opera House Presents "Frankenstein:" Johnny Lee Miller, the star of ABC Television's new hit series "Elementary," stars in Mary Shelley's classic tale "Frankenstein" at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Sunday at 7 p.m. This captured-live in high-definition stage play was filmed during live performances at London's National Theatre during the production's award-winning 2011 run.
It was directed by Academy Award-winning Director Danny Boyle, Best Director Oscar winner for "Slumdog Millionaire." This production earned its stars, Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch, a pair of Olivier Awards for Best Actor for their alternating performances as Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. The Opera House production will feature Cumberbatch as Victor Frankenstein and Miller as the Creature.
Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein's bewildered monster is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.
Due to its mature nature, this production is not recommended for children. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students, and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 679-1891. They also may be purchased online at fredopera.org.
Live at the Met Season Features Verdi's "Otello" at 1891 Fredonia Opera House: To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, this year's Met season features several of the master composer's operas. Verdi's "Otello," on Saturday at 1 p.m. is the first in that celebration.
Tickets are $20, or $15 for students, and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 679-1891. They also may be purchased online at fredopera.org.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Monday.
Tonight
Blue Grass Jam: 7 to 10 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Friday
Chautauqua Music Presents: 6 to 11 p.m., Miraglia Gallery, 108 E. Second St. in Jamestown. Featuring steel guitarist Joe Miraglia, acoustic guitarist Donovan Keith of Kingsport, TN and Rat Ivy. The show is free and all ages are welcome.
Movies At The Reg: 8 p.m., "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown.
Saturday
Black Widow Halloween Party: 8 to midnight, Pine Junction, 9757 Bailey Hill Road in Sherman.
Movies At The Reg: 8 p.m., "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown.
MK Groove Trio With Musiquarium: 10 p.m., Mojo's, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown.
Adult Halloween Party: 8 to midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Music, fun and cash prizes with DJ's Unlimited.
House of Cards: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Lakeview Hotel, 13 Water St. in Mayville.
Day Old Soup: 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Peek 'n Peak, 1405 Olde Road in Findley Lake.
Tuesday
Halloween Fun Fair: 4 to 8 p.m., Chautauqua Children's Safety Education Village, 2695 Rt. 394 in Ashville. The event is geared towards families with children 12 and under. General admission is $3, kids 3 to 12 for $2 and under 3 are free.