When most folks in North America think of a seasonal vegetable to use as decoration, the noble pumpkin is at the top of the list; and why not? The Pumpkin is large, bright and very distinctive; plus its rind is thick enough to maintain its shape when its pulp is removed (with little effort). However, things were not always so easy.

In the Gaelic homelands, the simple turnip was the vegetable of choice for carving, and is in fact the source of the tradition of pumpkin carving in the new world. Fortunately, turnips are usually available from local grocer, especially in the autumn, as they are often included in seasonal dishes. So, with a little effort, you to can learn to carve a turnip for Oíche Shamhna!

Materials: You will need.

1 white turnip or rutabaga (yellow turnip)

1 sharp kitchen knife

1 pumpkin carving knife/paring knife

1 strong metal spoon

1 butter knife

1 black marker with a reasonably fine tip

1 candle/ electric candle

Method:

1. Take your turnip, which will likely have one flat end (this is how it would have been prepared by the grocer, they usually cut the “stalk” off), which will form your base. Choose the “best” side of it, that is the side you will be carving your face into. My suggestion would be to pick the area with the most surface area, as it allows for larger, and more detailed facial features.

2. Using your kitchen knife, cut the “top” end off of the turnip. You will want to make the cut low enough on the turnip that you will be able to cut a hole in the top (that is the piece you will be removing), so that if you use a candle, there will be enough top to maintain its shape.

3. With the top removed, I would suggest using either your spoon or butter knife to begin hollowing out the flesh of the turnip. I would suggest leaving at least a 1/2″ layer to form the shell. This is the hardest part, because removing the flesh is not an easy task, as it needs to be scraped away. Put a little elbow grease into it and you should be fine. The reason I recommended using a “strong” metal spoon, is that a plastic, or wooden spoon will do nothing, and a flimsy spoon will simply bend. What you will want to do is alternate between the butter knife and spoon, utilizing the edge of the spoon. The butter knife is good because you can use it to prize larger chunks, and carve the inside, since it has a concave shape.

4. Hard parts over. Using your marker, draw the face you want on your turnip. I suggest using a fine marker; because, the finer your lines are, the easier it is to cut away any pieces with marker on them.

5. I would recommend using the pumpkin carving knife here, though a paring knife can do in a pinch (just be careful you do not slice your fingers open!) Gently cut out the face on your turnip. The shell will be stiff, but avoid too much pressure because you can break it; especially if your features are close together. Remember with the pumpkin carving knife that it is the sawing motion, and not pressure which will do the work.

6. This is an optional step and necessary only if you will be using a candle with a flame. If you are using a flame-less candle, skip to the next step. Turnips are small, and candle flames can lick rather high, so do be mindful. If you want to be traditional, and use a candle, then cut out a chimney hole in the top you removed earlier.

7. Place your turnip in a spot where it will be visible, such as a window, or small table. Place your light source inside and then place the top on. Voila, you have yourself an authentic Shamhna turnip.

Gorm.