In the Halloween frenzy, it is easy to forget about the key thing you need to remember — getting and carving a pumpkin.
Alas, as it often happens, when you finally realize that the spooky day is tomorrow, all pumpkins are sold in your local stores. Your course of action? Think about alternatives! Luckily, other gourds and vegetables can make great substitutes. Here is the list:
Butternut Squash
Take a look at the butternut squash—with its distinct shape, it could be your unconventional carving canvas, especially if you want to carve a skull or recreate the “Scream” mask. Apart from making a perfect jack-o’-lantern, you can use its flesh for cooking a delicious fall side dish or a soup, roast it or add to a warm salad – there are tons of recipes for the butternut squash!
Watermelon
Oh, this one is so easy to carve – any form or pattern can be easily recreated. Just let your imagination run free! You can use the flesh of the fruit to add even creepier air to your alternative jack-o’-lantern. Alternatively, make a watermelon smoothie or lemonade and greet your guests with a refreshing drink. It’s up to you!
Pineapple
Next brilliant jack-o’-lantern alternative for a pumpkin is a pineapple. Not only does it naturally look pretty strange and scary with its spikes and all, but when carved, it is really spooky.
Zucchini
Lovely zucchini has a myriad of cooking uses, but you can also try it out as a Halloween jack-o’-lantern. Perfect for handiwork, it is softer and easier to carve; thus, you can make several zucchini lanterns by the time your friends get done with their pumpkins.
Bell Pepper
Not the best idea for a lantern but a great addition to your dinner table. Carved and stuffed, peppers will be your guests’ favorites, we promise.
So, what are you waiting for? Go check your fridge now — we are sure you have at least one of the alternative “pumpkins” we’ve just mentioned! Practice carving them into a jack-o’-lantern, and maybe you won’t need a pumpkin on Halloween at all!