Trashy Halloween Decoration Contest

This contest is for ONE Halloween decoration on your yard made from things you would otherwise throw away. It can be as simple or fancy as you want. Please display this ONE DECORATION along with all the other spooky decorations in your yard (especially ones you use year after year).

• Should be made from things you would otherwise throw away

• Examples: Used plastic bags, old clothes, bottles, milk jugs, styrofoam you reluctantly ended up with, straws, old shoes, boots, yard debris, beach trash, lids, coffee cups, stray wooden stakes.

• Can’t buy new things, just old stuff

• It is OK to paint, but not spray-paint

• It is OK to use one or two store-bought elements that you have used in the past, just not a new one.

• It’s OK to break the rules, just not too much.

Awards will be given on Halloween in many categories.

Any one can enter. If you live in an apartment, just snap a picture of your creation for entry into the contest. Text to Isaac at (562) 725-9796

No need to waste any part of your pumpkin. If you carve your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and roast 'em using the recipe below. Text a photograph to Isaac. Then eat 'em at Sunday's Pumpkin Smashing Event.

Prep

Use a large metal spoon to scrape out the seeds and strings.

Transfer the seeds and strings to a colander.

Place the colander in your sink and rinse the seeds with cool water. While rinsing, sort through them with your hands and pull out the stringy pumpkin guts.

Place some newspaper on the counter next to the sink for the stringy guts. This allows you to just roll it up and toss the mess when you’re done. There will be some bits of pumpkin still mixed in with the seeds. Just get out as much as you can.

Spread the rinsed seeds on a rimmed baking sheet. Unless you are an excellent pumpkin string picker, there will most likely still be some small bits of pumpkin innards left behind. Don’t worry about it.

Leave the baking sheet on your kitchen counter overnight so the seeds can dry. They will not roast as well if you put them in the oven when they are wet. It will be easy to pick out any remaining bits of pumpkin the next day.

Season

reheat your oven to 325° F with a rack in the middle.

Toss your pumpkin seeds with a few tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of kosher salt, and two teaspoons of your preferred spices. A smoky mix of cayenne pepper and paprika is delicious. Smoked paprika, za’atar, and even cinnamon work great too.

Use your hands and really get in there to make sure each seed is evenly coated. Then roast them till toasty and golden brown. Use a spatula to stir them occasionally while roasting.

Roast

!You want toasty, golden brown pumpkin seeds, which should take around 20 minutes.

Give them a shake halfway through to assess the browning and ensure an even bake. If your seeds are large or not fully dry, this will take a little longer, so keep an eye on things and stay patient.

The seeds are delicious served warm from the oven.

After they cool, transfer them to an airtight container and they will stay fresh and tasty for at least a week or more.

They are yummy with fall salads and creamy squash soups.

The day after Halloween, -- Sunday November 1st at 3:30 -- attend the Pumpkin Smashing event.

with several surprise musical guests!

After we have fun smashing them, we'll compost them for you.

For composting neophytes, learn how to get started. Also learn about disposal and collection of food waste.

Bring your pumpkin seeds to snack on! Also bring your own lawn chairs and beverages.

This event is heavy on information, music and FUN!!!

This event will be socially distanced.

Wear a Mask!!!!