Frugal Pumpkin Service Ware

A Frugal craft for pumpkins are decorative service ware to centerpieces and decorative edible service ware to casseroles. The idea saved thousands on food and decoration costs, as a caterer. Some situations reuse is impossible from guest damage. Just toss gladly there is no replacement costs on pricy crystal or silver service ware.

Selecting the pumpkin:
Look for one that has symmetry and can sit stable on a flat surface. Use a seamstress measuring tape to choose size that fits oven, refrigerator, or pan.

Preparation:
Step 1.) Wash the pumpkin well, dry and place on large roasting pan.
Step 2.) If it rocks a little use a collar on the base such as a wok stove fire ring base or ring of heavy duty aluminum foil. Fruit and garland can cover up and further secure pumpkin
Step 3.) The nesting bowl you plan to use, use as guide to cut the diameter of the lid. Trim till bowl fits and the lip edges still catch. (Just cut an opening large enough to serve for soup tureen.)
Step 5.) Cut top of pumpkin and clean out the inside well scrapping the side till the pith is cleared away.
Step 6.) Use simple stencil and trace on lower side the of pumpkin. These cut outs are for chafing function. Drill holes into stencil area as a starting point for knife.

Safety:
Wire bowl holders that can fit in the pumpkins are safer to hold nesting bowls in place. It's hard to find them, just use a washed small empty can/jar place inside to support bowl on the bottom. Large roasting pan recommended incase of collapse. Use food grade tea lights, since regular may have lead wicks or toxins. The cinnamon or clove powder is antiseptic; it deters bacteria growth, and pests from the pumpkin. Be aware that caution must be considered, as some individuals are allergic, to cinnamon or clove. Use the pumpkins once as serve ware, then afterwards for floral arrangements or presentation professionally, personal home use have the option for leftovers.

Cold Service Ware:
Use prepared pumpkin to step 5. Coat all exposed areas of pumpkin flesh with cinnamon powder and set aside cut top in refrigerator. Place ice inside the pumpkin to fill with enough room for bowl. Decorate to hiding the ring with fruit/garland. Pour or spoon cold beverage or food. Small gourd pumpkins are ideal for individual servings using ramekins and later become tea light holders. Once done, remove contents and refrigerate for later for centerpiece.

Hot Service Ware:
Use prepared pumpkin to step 6, use exactly like the cold service but omit ice. Instead a saucer with a tea lights inside the bottom. When ready to use: light tea lights, place stainless steel bowl in pumpkin and then add hot beverage or food. Use fire retardant decorations flames thru the stencil are a hazard. Once done, remove contents and refrigerate for later for centerpiece.

Edible Tureen:
Use pumpkin prepared to step 5, the pumpkin serves as recipe component for stews or spiced fruit. Coat the outside of pumpkin with vegetable oil. Place in large pan, secure with heavy foil and pour 1/2 cup of water in pan. Spoon Stew or fruit into the pumpkin cover with cut lid. Adjust oven rack to fit pumpkin, Bake at 375 degrees, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or barely tender with a fork, bake time varies from size and thickness of pumpkin. Remove carefully, cool for 15 minutes and decorate with fruit of veggies. Remove lid and serve at table scooping out bits of pumpkin along with stew or fruit.

Center Piece After Service Ware Use:
Use as a Jack-o-lantern or base for holding potted mums or cut flowers. Present both as light accent and cut flowers display. Touch up with more cinnamon or clove to prevent spoiling. The added benefit is the aroma adds to your presentation or appetite appeal. You can also replace a new bowl and have floating candle bowls. Once used as centerpiece throw out, it can't be restored with food in refrigeration.

Tureen Home Leftovers:
Leftovers pour/spoon stew or fruit into a pan, trim pumpkin remove skin and cut in chunks, and add to leftovers. Add other ingredients if desired, take foil unravel then cover and you have a casserole in the fridge for next day or freezer for later. Ensure the pumpkin tureen had not sit out over two ours before doing this.