Dairy Queen Blog

Hi Blizz fans,
If you’re like me, you’ve had pumpkin on the brain ever since a certain Blizzard of the Month came swirling into town.
And this weekend is the perfect time to craft a jack-o-lantern that’ll greet all the trick-or-treaters about to come-a-knockin’.
To help you out, I’ve compiled a few tips to help you create a carving as cool as this Pumpkin Pie Blizz I’m eating.

The Pick of the Patch
You want your pumpkin pal to stick around for a bit. So choose one without bruises, nicks, or cuts. And don’t forget to check the length of the stem – it’ll become the handle to your jack-o-lantern. Kids will have a tougher time cutting through the skin, so if you’re letting your little one create their own, it might be a good idea to pick a lighter-colored, softer pumpkin. But beware, these don’t last as long.

Tools of the Trade

• Marker – Any ol’ marker will work. But dry erase markers are great because you can, well, erase ‘em. Test out a design and if you don’t like it, just wipe it away and start over.
• Ice cream scooper – Get rid of that goo without having to handle your Jack’s guts. Ew.
• Long kitchen knife – Great for big stuff, like cutting off the top or slicing out spooky smiles.
• Paring knife – A small knife will make for easy maneuvering, if you’re giving your pumpkin face more delicate features.
• X-acto knife – Perfect for patterns. Tape on your idea and slice it out.

Find a design
All you need is a little inspiration. Check out the ghostly grins on the jack-o-lanterns here, here, and here.

A face that lights up
Here’s some new ways to get a smile that shines:

• Cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin. It makes it easy to use a small lamp as your light source and just run the cord out the back.
• Use toothpicks to tack wax paper or colored tissue paper behind the holes in your pumpkin’s face for a unique filter.
• Flashing lights make a scary face even spookier.
• Glow sticks are an eerie alternative to candles and work great for a Frankenstein design.
• For unique sparkle poke holiday lights through the outside of the pumpkin.

Now all you need is a Pumpkin Pie Blizz and you’re ready to make the journey to the pumpkin patch. Don’t forget to send me photos of your ghoulish creations. I’ll be posting my favorites on Halloween!