House and Home

BY WES HESSEL

The trick to making your child’s Halloween experience a treat is by following these simple safety rules and guidelines.

Begin by paying attention to their costume: if possible, choose outfits with bright colors, or add reflective tape to ensure your young one’s visibility. Also, make sure they can see clearly themselves by choosing costumes without masks - the only face covering they should have on this year is for COVID-19 protection.

If they want color in the area of their facial features, go with theatrical makeup or cosmetics (making sure it's non-toxic) to simulate the masquerade. Additionally, confirm the costumes are a good fit - literally; while they may need space for an under layer or two if it is cold, too long or loose could lead to trips and falls.

Next, plan with your young person where they’ll go; discuss areas to go in and any to avoid. This is a good time to review the general safety rules of dealing with strangers (like not going with someone in a house or car), using the sidewalk, crossing the street, traveling in a group supervised by a responsible adult or older teen and staying with it, passwords for emergency pickup, and the time you expect them back (if you’re not going with). To only go up to well lit homes, preferably where you know someone. And at least one person in the group should have a cell phone and a separate flashlight with new batteries.

When they return, go through the loot with them, throwing out anything questionable, talking with them about what the red flags are, like home-wrapped, holes, loose packaging, or allergy triggers. Decide together on a plan to space out the candy consumption over some days so as not sugar pig out, teaching self-discipline and spreading out enjoyment. And maybe also encourage some of the booty to be shared with others who have less, perhaps with a food pantry donation or the like. Alternative treat exchange parties or “trunkor-treat” gatherings may also be another safe option, if they are going on where you are, and they are being run responsibly.

Above all, have them observe the safety standards for COVID-19 in your area, or as recommended by the state health department and/or CDC (and you too, if you go with them). Wear masks, especially if in a group with others who may not be vaccinated or are vulnerable. Keeping the six foot social distance is still a wise idea. Don’t let a child go out who is sick, particularly with any significant fever.

Following these recommendations should make All Hallows Eve a fun and stress-free holiday.

Jack-o’-lanterns are one of many indelible symbols of Halloween. It’s hard to pinpoint the precise origins of jack-o’-lanterns, but many

historians trace the tradition to 19th century Ireland. In fact, this instantly recognizable staple of Halloween decor actually gets its name from an Irish folktale character named “Stingy Jack.” Jack-o’-lanterns are ubiquitous in October, but a refresher course on carving one can help

Roasting pumpkin seeds is a straightforward process, though some people may have their own techniques to make seeds more flavorful. The following recipe for “Pumpkin Seeds” from the Food Network reflects various ways to prepare this beloved snack, ensuring that people with varying tastes can no doubt find a way to incorporate their favorite flavors into this Halloween staple. 1. Seed the pumpkin: Preheat the oven to 300˚ F. Using a spoon, scrape the pulp and seeds out of your pumpkin into a bowl. 2. Clean the seeds: Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp, rinse the seeds in a colander under cold water, then shake dry. Don’t blot with paper towels; the seeds will stick. 3. Dry them: Spread the seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet and roast 30 minutes to dry them out. 4. Add spices: Toss the seeds with olive oil, salt and your choice of spices (see below).

Return to the oven and bake until crisp and golden, about 20 more minutes. a. Sweet - Toss with cinnamon and sugar (do not use salt in step 4). b. Indian - Toss with garam masala; mix with currants after roasting. c. Spanish - Toss with smoked paprika; mix with slivered almonds after roasting. d. Italian - Toss with grated parmesan and dried oregano. e. Barbecue - Toss with brown sugar, chipotle chile powder and ground cumin.

those who haven’t dusted off their carving skills since last fall.

Don’t carve too early. Though it can be tempting and fun to carve a jack-o’-lantern once the calendar turns to October, it’s unlikely the finished product will make it all the way to October 31. Horticulturists indicate that jack-o’lanterns have a shelf life of roughly five to 10 days, though an especially cold October could shorten that life expectancy even further. If you want your jack-o’-lantern to greet trick-ortreaters on Halloween, wait to carve it until a few days before the big day.

design. It’s easy to make mistakes when carving a jack-o’-lantern, especially if this is your first time using a carving knife since last year. Use a dry-erase marker to trace the design onto the pumpkin before you make a cut.

Avoid severing the stem. When many people envision jack-o’-lanterns, the image in their minds is one in which the top of the pumpkin is removed so candles or lights can be effortlessly placed inside. However, the custom pumpkin carving experts at New York-based Maniac Pumpkin Carvers note that removing the top cuts off the vine, which supplies the pumpkin with nutrients and moisture, even after it’s been cut. A whole in the back of the pumpkin can provide easy access when placing candles or lights inside, and cutting here won’t cut off the nutrient and moisture supply a pumpkin needs to avoid drying out.

Scoop everything out. The interior of a pumpkin will be loaded with seeds, which can be removed and later roasted to make a savory snack. In addition to removing the seeds, be sure to get all of the pulp out. Pulp left in the pumpkin will soon get moldy and that can shorten the lifespan of the jack-o’-lantern. In addition, when removing the interior, try scraping the front inner wall of the pumpkin thin, which may make it easier to carve.

interior of the jack-o’-lantern. Candles might seem like the most authentic and even spooky way to light the interior of the pumpkin, but the heat produced by a burning candle can shorten the life expectancy of the jack-o’lantern. An LED light won’t give off much heat and will provide ample illumination.

A few simple tips can help Halloween celebrants ensure their jack-o’-lanterns make it all the way to the big day at the end of October.