[Springlands]

I really love pumpkin soup but find it hard to cut into the pumpkin. Any tips for making the job easier. 

[8doubles]

Drill a hole so you can get the jigsaw blade in.

[Springlands]

Believe me after my last attempt that sounds good. 

[8doubles]

On turban squashes which are mighty tough i use a chinese cleaver and a mallet.

[compostqueen]

I use a Chinese cleaver and a tea towel.  I thump the blade with my hand protected with the tea towel. You have to do it slowly and carefully, making sure you don't let it slip and slice your fingers off.  It's quite strenuous, so I take my time.  My husband is too clumsy, would whack it as hard as possible and split the board in half, so I don't bother asking him 

[Springlands]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do not have a cleaver - was thinking of dropping it from a height on our stone tiles to see if that would crack it. Probably nothing to lose. 

[8doubles]

A heavy bladed chefs knife will do instead of a cleaver (which you really ought to invest in for cutting tough veg) . Just tap the knife around the pumpkin with your 2nd best rolling pin, or a suitable log

[compostqueen]

"suitable log"        Use a cloth to soften the blow though as you don't want to knacker your best knife 

[GrannieAnnie]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do not have a cleaver - was thinking of dropping it from a height on our stone tiles to see if that would crack it. Probably nothing to lose. 

Except maybe the contents of the pumpkin all over your floor??   

[suziet88]

It's times like this when I realise why I had three (strong) sons (to help cut my veg).

[vet]

Its times like this when I'm really glad I joined this site! Cheered me up no end

[Debz]

I got a pumpkin carving kit at A*D* and it made light work of it for only a pound.

[Springlands]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do not have a cleaver - was thinking of dropping it from a height on our stone tiles to see if that would crack it. Probably nothing to lose. 

Except maybe the contents of the pumpkin all over your floor??   

Or all over my nice painted walls 

[Dirt Diver]

Pumpkin Soup - very slimming, you use so much energy just cutting it up

[Springlands]

Pumpkin Soup - very slimming, you use so much energy just cutting it up