In Sainsburys at the moment as well as the huge carving pumpkins

(yes we have one already with a sell by date of 5th November so hopefully will last long enough for Hallowe’en!) they also have mini pumpkins (helpfully labelled “edible pumpkins” that’s a bit worrying as I always eat the carving pumpkin when Hallowe’en is finished,  they’re all edible aren’t they?)

The mini ones are about 60p each (sold by weight).  Peel and de-seed.  Slice.  Fry in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until softened through and browned but not burnt (not nice,  I did it!).  QT1 loved it although QT2 refused!

Incidentally with the large carving pumpkin I just use a sharp knife to chop the top of to be a lid,  then carve a traditional face (2 triangular eyes and a triangular nose, zig zag mouth:  all very basic) on the front and on the sides and back bat or spider shapes.  Nothing very arty but just a bit scary Hallowe’en ish and large enough to show plenty of flickering tea light through.  Incidentally Sainsburys have battery operated electric tea lights.  Probably safer but not as exciting.

Afterwards I trim off the dried up bits where the candle has been,  discard the lid (usually very dried up) and peel and chop the rest and freeze it for pumpkin soup or pumpkin pie.