Here’s a few of our favorite fall things
Compiled by Erin Andersen / Lincoln Journal Star
There is a chill in the air most mornings. Leaves crunch beneath our feet. And Mother Nature’s palette pops with autumn colors. There is much to love about fall. Here are just a few of our favorite things.
Ultimate caramel apples
Who knows apples better than the folks at Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City?
We talked with Beverly Franks, who works in the Apple House and Pie Garden making both caramel apples and apple pie.
Franks recommends using Jonathan apples, which are crisp and just a little tart. “The caramel makes it really good,” Franks said.
In the Apple House, Franks uses canned caramel to make the caramel apples (but at home she uses the individually wrapped Kraft caramel squares).
The trick is slowly heating the caramel in the oven or microwave. Warmed caramel is then kept in an electric roasting pan. Add a little evaporated milk to keep the caramel from getting too thick.
Put sticks in apples — again Franks recommends the round sticks because they are sturdier for holding heavy apples.
Swirl apples in caramel and then set aside to cool. If you want, dip the apple’s bottom in crushed peanuts before cooling.
If you are not going to eat the caramel apples right way, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Make sure you have a paper towel or napkin handy when you eat your caramel apple.
“Usually, they’re pretty juicy,” Franks said.
Be a pumpkin Picasso
1. Choose your carving pattern before you head to the pumpkin patch. Perfectionists: Bring the pattern with you while pumpkin hunting to find the right fit.
2. Look for a pumpkin that is about the size of a basketball. Intricate designs require bigger pumpkins.
3. Make the carving easier for kids by choosing a pumpkin with smoother skin. (They won’t last as long after carving, but they are easier to carve.)
4. Cut an opening in the bottom of the pumpkin so you can set it over your light source.
5. Scrape pumpkin walls to about 1-inch thick. It’s easier to carve intricate designs in thinner walls.
6. If you can’t figure out the pattern after poking it into the pumpkin, rub flour over the dots to make them more visible, or use a pen to connect the dots.
7. Keep the design after making the transfer. You’ll need it for a reference.
8. For better carving control, place pumpkin in a large bowl.
9. Carve from the center of the design and work outward. Saw up and down briskly, and along the pattern lines slowly.
10. Leave carved pieces in the pumpkin so that it is sturdier for sawing the remainder of your design. When ready, push the pieces from the inside out.
11. Use a battery-operated light instead of a candle — your pumpkin will last longer.
12. Protect your pumpkin from dryness and mold by sealing it in plastic wrap and placing in the refrigerator when not on display.
13. To revive a shriveled pumpkin, soak it in cool water for several hours. After removing, drain and gently pat dry. You can repeat this cycle several times to extend the life of your jack-o-lantern.
14. For best results, do not carve the pumpkin more than one to two days before you put it on display.
— Source: Pumpkin Masters
Stuff your own scarecrow
Each year kids and adults of all ages gather at the Lincoln Children’s Museum to create their very own life-sized scarecrows.
There are still a few slots left for scarecrow making on Friday and Saturday. Call 477-0128 to reserve a time and spot. Scarecrows cost $25, plus admission to the museum. All supplies are included.
But if you want to make a scarecrow on your own, here are some tips from Pam Thompson, exhibits and special events coordinator for the museum.
You will need the following supplies:
Newspaper
2/3 yard muslin
12-inch-long dowel
Hot glue gun
Masking tape
Jute or yarn
Clothes — long-sleeved shirt, bib overalls, hat, gloves
Markers, felt, flowers and other adornments
Raffia or straw (optional)
Getting started:
Roll newspaper into a ball, about the size of a human head. Wrap masking tape around the newspaper ball to keep its shape.
Using a dowel or screwdriver, poke a hole in the head (to hold the dowel neck). Squeeze hot glue into the hole and insert the 12-inch long dowel. Let dry.
Drape the muslin over the head. Gather at the dowel and tie off with yarn or jute.
Choose your scarecrow clothes (remember they can be boy or girl scarecrows). Stuff a long-sleeved shirt with crumpled newspaper, starting with the arms and moving down the body. Remember to button sleeves at the cuff. (You can use straw if you want, but it is messy.)
About 2 or 3 inches from the shirt tales, gather the shirt and tie it off with jute or yarn.
Tie off each leg of the overalls about 3 inches from the bottom, using yarn or jute. Then start stuffing legs with with crumpled newspaper and work your way up. Unhook the overall straps, place the stuffed shirt inside and reattach straps.
Now you can begin personalizing your scarecrow. Use raffia or straw tucked into the neck, the ankles and wrists to give it a more authentic look.
Decorate faces with marker or use cut-out felt pieces for the eyes, nose and mouth. Felt can be hot glued on the face, or sewn with a thick thread.
Tie a bandanna around the neck, top with a straw hat. If you want, decorate the hat with leaves, sunflowers or other items.
Thompson, who has made her share of scarecrows over the past few years, says the newspaper scarecrows withstand the weather pretty well — and some can be reused season after season.
Pressed leaves
1. Look for colorful leaves from a variety of trees.
2. Avoid leaves that are moldy or have rot.
3. Place the leaves you wish to press between two sheets of newspaper. Place heavy books on top of the leaves and wait at least 24 hours.
4. Place flat dried leaves between sheets of waxed paper.
5. Gently press waxed paper with medium hot iron moving slowly over entire surface for 10 seconds. Waxed paper will be hot after pressing.
6. Allow pressed leaves to cool before using.
7. You can trim around the edges of the waxed paper and place your pressed leaves on cards to send. You can also put leaves in a photo album or scrapbook.
Or, attach a string to the pressed leaves and hang in a window as suncatcher.
— Source: KidsTurnCentral.com
Best roasted pumpkin seeds
The next best thing to pumpkins are the roasted seeds.
Here’s a simple recipe:
Rinse seeds. Use your fingers to remove all the pulp. Drain pumpkin seeds and discard pulp. Spread out on paper towels on a cookie sheet to dry overnight.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.
Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil, butter or spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt or your choice of seasonings. Toss to coat.
Bake about one hour. Toss every 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three months, or refrigerate for up to one year.
* For extra salty pumpkin seeds, soak seeds overnight in a solution of ¼ cup salt to 2 cups of water. Allow to dry an additional day before roasting.
To add a gourmet touch to your seeds try Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin Seeds. Season with cinnamon, ground ginger, a pinch of nutmeg and butter. Then roast as directed.
Mark your calendars
Autumn is full of special family events from hayrack rides, to hikes and hauntings.
Here are a few that are still coming up:
* Hayrack rides at Pioneers Park Nature Center. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 1. Ride a hayrack through the park and end the evening with hot cocoa and a naturalist program around the campfire. Cost: $6 per person. 441-7895.
* Halloween Family Day, YMCA Camp Kitaki, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Pumpkin carving, cookout, face painting and hayrack rides. Cost: $5 per person, free ages 4 and under. 434-9222
* Haunted tram ride, Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Conservation Park and Safari, Ashland, Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. A haunted hike, a spooky ride, ghostly games, dinner and roasted marshmallows. Cost: $15 per person. (402) 738-2092.
* Halloween Hurrah, Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 P St., 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23-24. Kids trick or treat throughout the museum. Cost: $6 admission, plus $3 for a required treat bag. 477-0128.
* Spooktacular: Hidden in the Night, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Oct. 23-25. Encounter live and costumed critters along the trail, campfire, treats and sing-along. Cost: $6 per person, 3 and under. 441-7895.
* Haunted Woods: Curse of the Golden Idol, Cornhusker Council of the Boys Scouts of America, located just east of Lincoln on 120th Street between A and O streets. Hours: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25; and 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 26. Scare trail, hayrack ride, carnival games, movies and campfire. Cost: $8 for the scare trail; $5 for the hayrack ride; $10 for both adventures. 488-6020.
* Stoney Hill Acres “Haunted Forest,” 5900 W. Agnew Road, Valparaiso, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 29-31. Hayrack ride through the Haunted Forest, spooky stories, bonfires and snacks. Cost: $9, cash only. (402) 783-2018.
* Howling Homestead, Homestead National Monument of America, 8523 W. Nebraska 4, Beatrice, 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25. Storytellers, crafts, creatures of the night and entertainment. Free. (402) 223-3514. No costumes, please.
* Boo at the Zoo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26-30. Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo. Cost: Advance tickets $5, $6 if purchased after Oct. 17; plus $3 treat bag required. Advance tickets available at Russ’s Market and the zoo office. Early bird passes for entry at 5:20 p.m., are $3 per person. 475-6741.
There is a chill in the air most mornings. Leaves crunch beneath our feet. And Mother Nature’s palette pops with autumn colors. There is much to love about fall. Here are just a few of our favorite things.
Ultimate caramel apples
Who knows apples better than the folks at Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City?
We talked with Beverly Franks, who works in the Apple House and Pie Garden making both caramel apples and apple pie.
Franks recommends using Jonathan apples, which are crisp and just a little tart. “The caramel makes it really good,” Franks said.
In the Apple House, Franks uses canned caramel to make the caramel apples (but at home she uses the individually wrapped Kraft caramel squares).
The trick is slowly heating the caramel in the oven or microwave. Warmed caramel is then kept in an electric roasting pan. Add a little evaporated milk to keep the caramel from getting too thick.
Put sticks in apples — again Franks recommends the round sticks because they are sturdier for holding heavy apples.
Swirl apples in caramel and then set aside to cool. If you want, dip the apple’s bottom in crushed peanuts before cooling.
If you are not going to eat the caramel apples right way, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Make sure you have a paper towel or napkin handy when you eat your caramel apple.
“Usually, they’re pretty juicy,” Franks said.
Be a pumpkin Picasso
1. Choose your carving pattern before you head to the pumpkin patch. Perfectionists: Bring the pattern with you while pumpkin hunting to find the right fit.
2. Look for a pumpkin that is about the size of a basketball. Intricate designs require bigger pumpkins.
3. Make the carving easier for kids by choosing a pumpkin with smoother skin. (They won’t last as long after carving, but they are easier to carve.)
4. Cut an opening in the bottom of the pumpkin so you can set it over your light source.
5. Scrape pumpkin walls to about 1-inch thick. It’s easier to carve intricate designs in thinner walls.
6. If you can’t figure out the pattern after poking it into the pumpkin, rub flour over the dots to make them more visible, or use a pen to connect the dots.
7. Keep the design after making the transfer. You’ll need it for a reference.
8. For better carving control, place pumpkin in a large bowl.
9. Carve from the center of the design and work outward. Saw up and down briskly, and along the pattern lines slowly.
10. Leave carved pieces in the pumpkin so that it is sturdier for sawing the remainder of your design. When ready, push the pieces from the inside out.
11. Use a battery-operated light instead of a candle — your pumpkin will last longer.
12. Protect your pumpkin from dryness and mold by sealing it in plastic wrap and placing in the refrigerator when not on display.
13. To revive a shriveled pumpkin, soak it in cool water for several hours. After removing, drain and gently pat dry. You can repeat this cycle several times to extend the life of your jack-o-lantern.
14. For best results, do not carve the pumpkin more than one to two days before you put it on display.
— Source: Pumpkin Masters
Stuff your own scarecrow
Each year kids and adults of all ages gather at the Lincoln Children’s Museum to create their very own life-sized scarecrows.
There are still a few slots left for scarecrow making on Friday and Saturday. Call 477-0128 to reserve a time and spot. Scarecrows cost $25, plus admission to the museum. All supplies are included.
But if you want to make a scarecrow on your own, here are some tips from Pam Thompson, exhibits and special events coordinator for the museum.
You will need the following supplies:
Newspaper
2/3 yard muslin
12-inch-long dowel
Hot glue gun
Masking tape
Jute or yarn
Clothes — long-sleeved shirt, bib overalls, hat, gloves
Markers, felt, flowers and other adornments
Raffia or straw (optional)
Getting started:
Roll newspaper into a ball, about the size of a human head. Wrap masking tape around the newspaper ball to keep its shape.
Using a dowel or screwdriver, poke a hole in the head (to hold the dowel neck). Squeeze hot glue into the hole and insert the 12-inch long dowel. Let dry.
Drape the muslin over the head. Gather at the dowel and tie off with yarn or jute.
Choose your scarecrow clothes (remember they can be boy or girl scarecrows). Stuff a long-sleeved shirt with crumpled newspaper, starting with the arms and moving down the body. Remember to button sleeves at the cuff. (You can use straw if you want, but it is messy.)
About 2 or 3 inches from the shirt tales, gather the shirt and tie it off with jute or yarn.
Tie off each leg of the overalls about 3 inches from the bottom, using yarn or jute. Then start stuffing legs with with crumpled newspaper and work your way up. Unhook the overall straps, place the stuffed shirt inside and reattach straps.
Now you can begin personalizing your scarecrow. Use raffia or straw tucked into the neck, the ankles and wrists to give it a more authentic look.
Decorate faces with marker or use cut-out felt pieces for the eyes, nose and mouth. Felt can be hot glued on the face, or sewn with a thick thread.
Tie a bandanna around the neck, top with a straw hat. If you want, decorate the hat with leaves, sunflowers or other items.
Thompson, who has made her share of scarecrows over the past few years, says the newspaper scarecrows withstand the weather pretty well — and some can be reused season after season.
Pressed leaves
1. Look for colorful leaves from a variety of trees.
2. Avoid leaves that are moldy or have rot.
3. Place the leaves you wish to press between two sheets of newspaper. Place heavy books on top of the leaves and wait at least 24 hours.
4. Place flat dried leaves between sheets of waxed paper.
5. Gently press waxed paper with medium hot iron moving slowly over entire surface for 10 seconds. Waxed paper will be hot after pressing.
6. Allow pressed leaves to cool before using.
7. You can trim around the edges of the waxed paper and place your pressed leaves on cards to send. You can also put leaves in a photo album or scrapbook.
Or, attach a string to the pressed leaves and hang in a window as suncatcher.
— Source: KidsTurnCentral.com
Best roasted pumpkin seeds
The next best thing to pumpkins are the roasted seeds.
Here’s a simple recipe:
Rinse seeds. Use your fingers to remove all the pulp. Drain pumpkin seeds and discard pulp. Spread out on paper towels on a cookie sheet to dry overnight.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.
Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil, butter or spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt or your choice of seasonings. Toss to coat.
Bake about one hour. Toss every 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three months, or refrigerate for up to one year.
* For extra salty pumpkin seeds, soak seeds overnight in a solution of ¼ cup salt to 2 cups of water. Allow to dry an additional day before roasting.
To add a gourmet touch to your seeds try Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin Seeds. Season with cinnamon, ground ginger, a pinch of nutmeg and butter. Then roast as directed.
Mark your calendars
Autumn is full of special family events from hayrack rides, to hikes and hauntings.
Here are a few that are still coming up:
* Hayrack rides at Pioneers Park Nature Center. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 1. Ride a hayrack through the park and end the evening with hot cocoa and a naturalist program around the campfire. Cost: $6 per person. 441-7895.
* Halloween Family Day, YMCA Camp Kitaki, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Pumpkin carving, cookout, face painting and hayrack rides. Cost: $5 per person, free ages 4 and under. 434-9222
* Haunted tram ride, Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Conservation Park and Safari, Ashland, Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. A haunted hike, a spooky ride, ghostly games, dinner and roasted marshmallows. Cost: $15 per person. (402) 738-2092.
* Halloween Hurrah, Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 P St., 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23-24. Kids trick or treat throughout the museum. Cost: $6 admission, plus $3 for a required treat bag. 477-0128.
* Spooktacular: Hidden in the Night, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Oct. 23-25. Encounter live and costumed critters along the trail, campfire, treats and sing-along. Cost: $6 per person, 3 and under. 441-7895.
* Haunted Woods: Curse of the Golden Idol, Cornhusker Council of the Boys Scouts of America, located just east of Lincoln on 120th Street between A and O streets. Hours: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25; and 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 26. Scare trail, hayrack ride, carnival games, movies and campfire. Cost: $8 for the scare trail; $5 for the hayrack ride; $10 for both adventures. 488-6020.
* Stoney Hill Acres “Haunted Forest,” 5900 W. Agnew Road, Valparaiso, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 29-31. Hayrack ride through the Haunted Forest, spooky stories, bonfires and snacks. Cost: $9, cash only. (402) 783-2018.
* Howling Homestead, Homestead National Monument of America, 8523 W. Nebraska 4, Beatrice, 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25. Storytellers, crafts, creatures of the night and entertainment. Free. (402) 223-3514. No costumes, please.
* Boo at the Zoo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26-30. Trick-or-treat throughout the zoo. Cost: Advance tickets $5, $6 if purchased after Oct. 17; plus $3 treat bag required. Advance tickets available at Russ’s Market and the zoo office. Early bird passes for entry at 5:20 p.m., are $3 per person. 475-6741.
Copyright © 2002-2009 Lincoln Journal Star. All rights reserved.