What is a pumpkin?

Pumpkin is a vegetable related to squash. Pumpkin plants produce 
round or oval fruits, also called pumpkins, that have hard shells and coarse, 
stringy pulp. A central cavity within the fruit holds the seeds. 
The majority of pumpkins are orange, but many pumpkins are white, 
yellow, or other colors.

Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A and potassium. People cook pumpkins in 
various ways, especially in pumpkin pie. Pumpkin seeds, a popular snack, 
provide protein and iron. Especially popular are the hull-less seeds that 
do not have a hard coat or outer shell.

Pumpkins grow on vines and bushes. Those on vines are planted in mounds
about 12 feet (3.7 meters) apart. Bush varieties are spaced closer together. 
Pumpkin plants need careful cultivation to produce healthy fruit. The plants 
thrive in slightly acid soil, and most of them mature about four months after 
the seeds are planted. Ripe pumpkins that are well developed can be stored
at 40 to 50 °F (4 to 10 °C) for several months.

Pumpkins probably originated in North America.
~Information found at World Book Online~

Jack O'Lanterns

I don't have a problem with taking a pumpkin, removing the inside (saving 
the pulp, of course) and then carving out funny faces. We've even cut 
out a cross instead of a funny face. Being a christian, it is not something I
struggle with at all. Though jack o'lanterns carry with them a non-christian 
history and are closely related to Halloween, I believe they CAN be used 
to share God's love with others. Let me tell you more.

Pumpkins were created by God. They are a part of His autumn celebration. 
They are useful in feeding us and in providing something that can be 
enticing to the soul. Enticing to the soul you say? Yes! Think about how 
jack o'lanterns are made. You go and buy a pumpkin. Pumpkins are not 
perfect in anyway. You can search all day and you will never find a perfectly
round, unclean pumpkin. (Kind of like us humans, huh?) Then, you take it 
home, wash it up, and dry it. You get a knife and remove the top. This 
allows you to remove all the seeds and pulp that you won't need. This is 
usually thrown out. Though some people choose to utilize everything about 
the pumpkin. (See? Useful in feeding us.) Next, you carve out a face, usually 
it's a whimsical face, smiling and joyful. Then, you set a candle inside it 
and light it for all to see. How is this enticing? Let me put it to you as I see it.

The unclean and imperfect pumpkin is me. When I became a child of God, 
I was cleansed by Him. Washed and dried. Next, He opened my heart 
and began to remove all of the seeds (sins) that were ruining my life. He 
took those "yucky things" and tossed them away. Then, He carved a smile 
on my face for all to see. He placed a light in my soul that causes me 
to glowed. Today, I continue to shine brightly for Him. Others can see 
it and I am excited to share it. I want my light to shine for all to 
see! Now that's an enticing message! 

You may never have shared God this way. But what a good way of using
His creation to show others how much He loves us. It's a great tool in sharing
the message of salvation with someone especially your children! When we 
make our jack o'lantern, we can only see God in it. And I hope the next 
time you make yours, you will, too. Let your light shine!

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have.
~1 Peter 3:15~

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that
they may see your good deeds and praise your Father
in heaven.
~Matthew 5:16~

Are you a Christian?

 Choosing a pumpkin!

Choosing a pumpkin to carve is one the best parts of carving.
If you can go to a pumpkin patch, then do! Make it a family day out.
If you can't, find where they are selling them and take the kids!
Now picking a pumpkin...usually the first one that catches your eye
is the one you want. We usually pick atleast two. If you get one
with a stem, that is a nice addition. But choose what its is best for you
and your family. You might already have a face or pattern in mind
and need a certain shape then look for that. Just have fun!
Now carving your pumpkin...You should know already what you will 
carve. Remember you are using your pumpkin to share God's love
with others. So, if you decide against a joyful face, maybe a cross
or a christian fish is the way to go. If you don't want to carve
your pumpkin, painting on it is another great suggestion. Just be
sure to wash and dry your pumpkin before doing anything to it.
And before carving, your can lightly sketch your pattern with a
toothpick by poking holes into it following the pattern. Just place
paper with your pattern on it against your pumpkin and start poking.
Very simple! 
Tools for carving...Use a sharp, thin kitchen knife. Or you can 
purchase a pumpkin carving knife at the store. Nowadays, they have
nice pumpkin carving tools available at stores. And always make sure
an adult does the carving. If you want your child to try, consider
their age and please supervise. 

Ideas and hints...After planning your pattern, remove the top first.
Then, remove the insides with an ice cream scoop. Now you're ready
to carve. To prolong the life of your carved pumpkin, I've heard
spraying the inside with a lemon juice & water mixture helps. Store
in a cool place when not displaying it. I would recommend that you
buy your pumpkin right when you know you'll be displaying it. 

Other decorating ideas...I also buy the little pumpkins and some
gourds to place here and there around my home. You can also
use them in a nice center piece for your table or a shelf. I have
a nice metal bucket that I fill with small pumpkins and gourds
and set in my entry way. You can even stick wheat strands here
and there in the display to really give it a nice look. Just use
your creative imagination and try different things.
I also have ceramic pumpkin candle holders and things like that
to give my home a warm feeling. Have fun!

Pumpkin Recipes!

The Best Homemade Pumpkin Pie

This recipe is the best pumpkin pie I've had and I make it
every year atleast twice if not three times. It's flavor is
so enticing and you won't have any left. :o) It's worth the 
time and effort to make it. This recipes makes 2 pies.

CRUST:
2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
4 to 6 tablespoons cold water

FILLING:
6 eggs
1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each ground cloves, nutmeg, and ginger
2 cups evaporated milk

In a bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until 
crumbly. Sprinkle with water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing
with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half.
On a floured surface, roll out each portion to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
Place pastry in pie pan and trim the top. Save scraps for decorating.
Flute edges if desired. Set shells aside. For filling, beat eggs
in a mixing bowl. Add pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon salt, cloves,
nutmeg, and ginger; beat just until smooth. Gradually stir in milk.
Pour into pastry shells evenly. They will be full. If you have deep
pie pans, use those. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. 
Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 40-45 minutes longer or until
a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool on wire racks
completely. 

HINT: If desired, you can take the pie crust scraps and use
to decorate the pie tops. Just roll the dough out, and use 
a miniature leaf cutter or your choice of cookie cutter,
to cut out shapes. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at
350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Place
on cooled pies.

Pumpkin Cookie Dip

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 jars (7 ounces each) marshmallow creme
1 can (15 ounces) solid-packed pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
Gingersnaps or vanilla wafers

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and marshmallow
creme until smooth. Stir in pumpkin, cinnamon, and orange
peel. Serve as a dip with cookies. Store in the refrigerator.
YIELDS: 4 cups.

Pumpkin Cookies

2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup salad oil
1 tsp. each, cinnamon and nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
4 cups all pupose flour
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup chopped nuts
1 1/2 cup raisins 

Beat sugar, pumpkin, oil and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients.
Stir together with other ingredients until smooth. Blend in raisins.
Drop by spoonfuls on oiled baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for
12 to 15 minutes. Makes 5 to 6 dozen.

HINT: I sometimes substitute 1 cup of mini-chocolate chips
in place of the raisins. Also, I use parchment paper to cover my
baking sheet then spray with Pam. Saves on mess and fat.

Pumpkin Bars

2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin
1 cup oil
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 eggs
2 cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar

Mix sugar, pumpkin, oil, and eggs well. Add dry ingredients.
Pour into oiled and floured 10x15 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees
for 25 to 30 minutes. When cool frost with cream cheese frosting 
or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into squares.

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