How to Cut a Pumpkin From the Bottom for the Easiest Clean Out

Directions

1. Use a long, thin serrated knife to carve a medium-sized hole in the pumpkin's bottom. The hole should be bigger than your fist but small enough that it's hidden when the pumpkin is upright. Once the circle is cut, make two cuts from the edge toward the center to form a small triangle notch. Push out the triangle and use it as a handle to pull the rest of the cut piece away.
2. Remove the pumpkin innards with a sturdy metal scoop—like an ice cream scoop from your kitchen—rather than using your hands if you dislike the texture. For a thorough clean, use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to scrape the inner walls, separating the guts from the rind.
3. Once the stringy guts are gone, scrape the inside of the pumpkin again with the same scoop until the surface is smooth. Then wipe or spray the interior walls with a mixture of 3 teaspoons bleach per 3 gallons of water to help prevent rot and extend your jack-o'-lantern's life.