Life-Size Dinosaurs Made from Carved Pumpkins

Well, good...you survived another All Hallow's Eve when the ghosts and goblins come out and lost souls arise from their graves. Glad you did and it's good to see you bending over the coffeepot here filling your mug. Don't forget to hoist a gigantic virtual pumpkin muffin onto your plate. I'll be making some later today from the mega pumpkin I had in the window last night. It did the trick though...attracting candy-frenzied kids from all around the neighbourhood. If you were out, I'll bet you didn't see a Jack-O-Lantern like the one in the picture, eh!

One of the most memorable events of the year takes place around Halloween at the Van Cortland Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Here, literally thousands of incredible jack o’lantern carvings are lit up in a spooky exhibition of giant spiders, flying pumpkin ghosts, skulls, skeletons, bats and other hair-raising entities, all handmade from pumpkins. This year’s main attraction are some awesome life-sized dinosaurs which give the place a very spooky prehistoric feel.

According to HudsonValley.org, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze takes place throughout October and early November lasting for a whopping 25 days. 5,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack o’lanters are displayed along a pathway open to anyone lucky enough to get one of the fast-selling tickets. For only $16 (or $20 in the weekends), you can “stroll through the Tunnel O’ Pumpkin Love and witness the incredible sight of gourd-filled Jack-in-the-Boxes springing up and bouncing around. See slithering ground snakes, a giant spider web, and go gaga over a collection of shrunken Little Monsters. Gaze in amazement at a towering pumpkin bonfire and a working doomsday grandfather clock.”

Growing up, I never much cared for the taste of pumpkin pie. However, I've come to appreciate it a little more...especially when I make it. Thais eat steamed pumpkin as a vegetable. You can mash it and mix it with regular mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes...or just on its own. Any way is fine with me. I make pumpkin and applesauce bread...and muffins. Remember, I'm still dealing with loads of extra apples.

Gotta go...there's a loaf in the breadmaker and several still in my head.

See ya, eh!

Bob

PS: I want to wish Mary Doran (Howe) a speedy recovery. Mary, a long time family friend of my mum's, is recovering from a nasty stroke that has affected her walking ability and speech. Her daughter, Cheryl, tells me she enjoys reading my daily blog. All the best, Mary and God bless! 

PPS: Haven't done this in years but as of today, pumpkins will be on sale so here's your chance if you've a mind to... 
Step 1: Buy a small pumpkin.
Step 2: Cut off the top (but keep it)
Step 3: Scoop out the guck and seeds inside.
Step 4: Fill the cavity with sugar.
Step 5: Put the lid back on
Step 6: Seal the lid with wax
Step 7: Let the pumpkin sit for two weeks or so. I like to hang it in a net because after a week or so, it gets soft. The net helps it keep its shape. Put a pan under it in case of leaking.
Step 8: After two weeks, you should be able to tap it and you will have a drambuie-like liquour thash pretty darn goodsh.