Introduction: Carve A.....Zucchini?

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Everyone has one....everyone wants to get rid of them.
What are they? Zucchini!
Everybody who plants zucchini drastically miscalculates how fast these plants grow, and end up planting way too many. In another desperate attempt to keep zucchini out of my dinner, I have decided to carve a particularly large one for Halloween.
I am assuming that you have basic pumpkin-carving skills before trying this....but you may be able to do this without prior knowledge.

Step 1: Find an Oversized Zucchini

First, you will need to find an oversized zucchini. I left one to grow on the vine until it got large enough to carve. (I can't remember exactly how long it took to grow, maybe around a month.)

Other tools/materials:

1. small knife/saw
2. large knife (optional)
3. spoon
4. 3 toothpicks (optional)
5. newspaper/protective covering
6. candle
7. tinfoil
8. your hands

Step 2: Cover Your Carving Area

cover the area where you are carving your zucchini with newspapers. I double layer just in case.

Step 3: Get a Design

You will want to get a design, then draw it on to your zucchini. I chose Larry the Cucumber from Veggie Tales. Don't forget to draw a line where you are going to cut off the top!

Step 4: Lobotomy!

Cut off the top of the zucchini with a knife or small saw. I used a small saw I found in an old pumpkin carving kit.

Step 5: Rip Out It's Guts!

This is one of the most challenging parts of this project. I used a combination of a knife, large spoon, small spoon, really big knife, and my hands. make sure you leave a wall about 3/4" to 1" on the outside to support the zucchini. first, I cut into with the knife, and pulled out a large section of the zucchini. I then scraped at the side with my spoon(s) to get clean sides. When I got farther down the zucchini, I stabbed the material in the bottom, then pulled out the loosened stuff. I got my hand stuck quite a few times, and cracked the top edge of the opening :( , But it all worked out in the end :). Depending on the size and shape of your zucchini, you may not have to go all the way down.

Step 6: Carve Your Design

Use your knife/saw to cut on the outlines of your design. Pull out the sections you have sawed around when finished.

Step 7: Create a Candle Holder

Get your candle and wrap the bottom in tinfoil. Make sure the bottom is flat, and the whole thing will fit in your zucchini. Stick this at the bottom of your zucchini. The tinfoil will prevent the zucchini from burning, provide a stable base for your candle, reflect light, and catch dripping wax.

Step 8: Light Er' Up!

Light your candle and stick the top back on. I used three toothpicks to secure the top in place. Step back and admire your handiwork!
(oh yeah....wash your hands too :) )
I propped my zucchini up on a bench, but any other way is fine.
w00t! A carved zucchini!