Step 1: First pick out a fresh pumpkin for carving. Give it a knock to make sure it’s not rotten on the inside and check the stem for browning or dryness. Next gather your tools. We recommend the following: T pins, a small-serrated knife, serrated carving tool, tape, scissors, and an ice cream scoop. And most importantly, don’t forget to print out a PaulaDeen.com exclusive pumpkin-carving template!

Step 2: Use the serrated knife held at a slight angle to carefully cut a whole in the top of the pumpkin.

Step 3: Use the ice cream scoop to remove the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin. Rinse off the seeds to prep for this delicious recipe.

Step 4: Print and cut out the pumpkin carving template and tape to the front of your pumpkin. Use the T pin to trace the design by poking holes into the flesh of the pumpkin.

Step 5: Remove the paper and use a small -serrated carving tool to carve out the design.

Step 6: Boo Y’all!