Celebrate

carve PUMPKINs

With a basic carving technique, you can create classic jack-o’-lanterns or sophisticated patterns. For these daisy chains, do as follows:

1. Copy the template from page 279, then tape it onto the pumpkin. You can position it vertically or horizontally, so the stems snake either over or around the pumpkin. Poke holes along outline with an awl or T pin, every ⅛ or ¼ inch. Remove template (keep nearby for reference).

2. Carve a hole in the back or bottom of the pumpkin (for lighting), then scoop out flesh, seeds (save these for roasting later), and pulp with a fleshing tool or plastic scraper.

3. Use linoleum cutters to scrape the pumpkin skin, working inward from the outline of the design. A No. 1 or 2 blade is best for details (3 or 5 for larger areas). Scrape in same direction so lines are unified. Use a drill to pierce flowers’ centers.

4. Light the pumpkin with a candle or electric lights (the latter is safer).

Kids

create leaf art

Gather fallen leaves, then turn them into silhouettes to display or share.

1. Trace a leaf onto watercolor paper with a pencil; gently erase so outline is barely visible.

2. Dip a paintbrush in water, then fill in leaf shape.

3. Working quickly, and with one color at a time, dip the brush in watercolor paint and very lightly dab it on the wet shape in a few spots—the paint will eventually spread and fill in the shape.

Martha Must

Each season, I grow different varieties of winter squashes, such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and Japanese kabocha. Roasting is my favorite way to prepare them, cut into halves or wedges and enjoyed on their own, stuffed with grains or vegetables, or added to soups, salads, and pasta dishes.