Ashley Jorgensen
The holidays are a time of year for keeping old traditions and making new ones.
Halloween is a holiday celebrated in many ways. Whether dressing up, going to a haunted house, carving pumpkins or trick-or-treating, the ways to celebrate this holiday are endless.
Here are a few new traditions and activities to not miss this Halloween season:
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[/media-credit]Carving Pumpkins:
Carving pumpkins has always been at the top of any Halloween bucket list. Make it simple. There are different designs and complicated looks for a pumpkin, but a simple jack-o-lantern face will do. Pumpkin carving is a way to decorate a home and be a part of the festivities.
“Pumpkin carving is one of my favorite things to do at Halloween,” said Jessica Bassett, a junior majoring in elementary education. “I look forward to it every year.”
How to:
1. Grab some friends.
2. Buy a pumpkin at a local grocery store.
3. Lay trash bags or newspaper out for a workspace.
4. Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin and lift out the stem.
5. Clean out the inside seeds with a large spoon and scrape the inside clean.
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6. Cut into the flesh and get creative.
7. Place a candle inside the pumpkin and light to make your creation a decoration.
Roasting Pumpkin Seeds:
Roasting seeds is a way to get the most out of your pumpkin. After you have carved the perfect pumpkin, stick the seeds in the oven and enjoy an easy snack.
“Roasting pumpkin seeds is my favorite thing about carving a pumpkin,” said Zoe Clement, a senior studying advertising. “It is an easy way to use what is right in front of you and make something yummy to eat after you are done carving.”
How to:
1. Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. (This is easiest just after you’ve removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.)
2. Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. If you prefer, omit the oil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until toasted, about 25 minutes, checking and stirring after 10 minutes.
4. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.
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[/media-credit]Mummy Cupcakes:
Here is a new, easy idea anyone can add to the list of Halloween traditions. Baking mummy cupcakes not only a delicious treat, but can be served as a creative dessert at a Halloween gathering. Enjoy a fun Halloween cupcake that will be sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
“I love this cupcake recipe,” said Aimee Fresh, a junior majoring in special education. “It is an easy way to prepare a treat for a party that has a Halloween theme and tastes good too.”
How to:
1. Start with a boxed Super Moist Chocolate Cupcake recipe, and bake the cupcakes.
2. For the frosting: combine two cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup melted light butter, 1 tsp white vanilla extract and enough water to achieve frosting consistency, starting with 2 Tbsp and adding more if needed.
3. Place frosting into a piping bag, cut the tip off and pipe onto cupcakes in a zig-zag fashion across the top of the cupcake. (no need for a fancy tip unless of course you want to use one)
4. While frosting is still wet, press 2 M&M’s (letter side down) of the same color on each cupcake to create the eyes.
Carving pumpkins, roasting seeds and baking mummy cupcakes are all easy ways to spice up the Halloween season. Enjoy something new and make it a tradition that is done every year in October.
