The Farmer’s Almanac says that Pumpkin carving began with the Irish tradition of carving turnips. They would put candles in them and place them in windows to scare the ghosts away on the Hallowed Evening. When they moved to the US, they discovered the more plentiful, easier to carve pumpkin and the rest is history.

Here is my current favorite smoothie recipe:

1/2 can pumpkin (small can)

1 pint carrot juice

1 tsp (or more) pumpkin pie spice
sweetener to taste (I use stevia, but maple syrup would be awesome!)
1 cup ice & water
blend, serves 2

Click here for pumpkin history and recipes.

Click here for pumpkin carving patterns.

And here for Martha Stewart’s pumpkin ideas.