Kitchen hacks
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Make a hole in the upper part or stem area of the pumpkin so heat can get out.
If heat cannot escape, it might cause a fire as the inside dries out or make the top catch fire.
- If you use live flames and carve from the bottom, you do not get a top vent; you’ll need electric lights unless your carving has punch-throughs.
3 people, independently
Opt for LED tea lights, electric versions, or battery-powered lights rather than open flames.
They avoid burns to you or the pumpkin, do not extinguish easily, and are safer than actual fire.
4 people, independently
Sear the sides of thick pork chops in a skillet to render the fat, allowing for higher temperature cooking without drying out the center.
Rendering side fat makes it melt like butter and allows cooking at a higher temperature (e.g., 5 instead of 4) for better results.
one person who lived it
Cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin instead of removing the top to maintain structural integrity and achieve a seamless look.
The dome structure reinforces the walls.
- For more difficult carvings, cutting the larger top off may be a better way to get your hand inside.
one person who lived it
3 more on this
Cut pancakes before adding syrup to allow it to soak in rather than run off.
Cutting creates porous edges that absorb more syrup.
- Some find this makes the pancakes mushy or releases heat.
- Others prefer dipping bites into syrup to preserve crispness.
2 people, independently
- Dip pancakes into syrup immediately before eating them.1
Serve pre-cut slices directly on plates to guests to streamline service and reduce mess indoors.
It makes serving easier and prevents guests from messing up the house as much.
one person who lived it
Use a long barbecue lighter or a lighter with a long nozzle to light candles inside deep pumpkins.
3 people, independently