Culinary Arts: Pumpkin Carving & Seed Roasting · Society of Ordinary Gentlemen

Culinary Arts: Pumpkin Carving & Seed Roasting

Happy Halloween Eve, Ladies and Gents!

Usually, I'd label this "cooking", but since it's a combination of food art and a recipe, going with the broader "Culinary Arts" label.

For those curious, while I certainly could have done a more thorough job on this carving (especially compared to last year), I do have training from when I went to Culinary Arts school around 20 years ago. Much of the "food art" was focused on in a class called "Garde Manger".

Technically means "cold dishes display area", but encompasses soups, salads, aperitifs, canapes, hors d'oeuvres, terrines, sausage-making, and of course the fine art of carving cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and arranging them into art.

I digest...

Despite my tight schedule due to custody, I just finished carving the pumpkin, and when I come back, will roast the seeds.

First, pumpkin carving tips:

Clean the pumpkin (outside, wiping it down with a damp cloth/paper towel.
Carve out the bottom first .
Why the bottom first? For easy access to the light element replacement, and mess reduction.
Scoop the seeds out, and separate them as well as possible from the pumpkin pulp.
Place the seeds into a strainer over a bowl or pot.
Place the pumpkin right-side-up over a large pot.
Carve the top opening.
Scoop the sides, and it'll fall directly into the pot below (see pic).
Place the pattern onto the pumpkin and fold the corners to fit the contours.
Start with the small/most detailed areas first.
Cut at an angle (about 45 degrees or greater; to allow for more light).
Avoid cutting on an angle around thinner areas (makes it less stable).
Once major cutting is done, clear the area (inside and out).
Refine detailed cutting.
Once finished, I like to wipe a thin layer of oil on the outside to preserve it and add shine.

Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe

From this site. Very simple recipe.

Clean the seeds in a strainer.
I use hot water to soften them a bit, though you can also boil them.
Once clean and dry, toss in melted butter.
Add seasonings of choice (see my ingredients of choice below).
Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 Celsius) for 45 minutes.
Let cool and enjoy.

Usually, I'm more about savory and slightly spicy, but since my kid is actually interested in trying pumpkin seeds for the first time, I'm going with sweet this year (butter, Garam Masala, maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika).

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