Simplify pumpkin carving with these power tool tricks: Video tutorial

It’s pumpkin carving season, so power up your pumpkin carving tools, and let’s get to it! That's right, the secret to perfect pumpkin artistry is working smarter, not harder. So let me show you how to take the grunt work (and hand cramps) out of pumpkin carving.

Whether you found your future jack-o’-lantern at a local pumpkin patch or the grocery store, what’s most important is that you have a pumpkin meant for carving, not cooking. So, make sure your pumpkin has smooth skin, no soft spots and sounds hollow when you knock it.

Watch this video to see how to use power tools to quickly clean out pumpkins.

Pumpkin guts

Use a keyhole saw to open your pumpkin quickly and easily. The serrated teeth will make cutting through the gourd’s flesh much easier.

Bonus tip: cut out the bottom of the pumpkin, not the top.

Next up is cleaning out the inside. Skip the spoon and reach for the hand mixer instead. Use the beater or whisk attachment and run it along the wall of the pumpkin to loosen the pulp.

If you need extra oomph, connect the attachment to your hand drill. This will give you more torque and control. For extra-large pumpkins, use a paint mixer attachment.

Be mindful of your fingers when using any of these tools.

Separate seeds and pulp

Dump the seeds and guts out of the pumpkin and into a bowl. Then, fill the bowl with water. The pumpkin seeds will float while most of the pulp sits underneath. This makes it easier to remove the large chunks.

Watch this video for some easy ways to separate pumpkin seeds from pulp.

Use a large slotted spoon to skim and strain the seeds off the top. You can also use a mesh strainer for this.

Once you have separated all the seeds, give them an extra rinse to remove any remaining pulp. Dry them using a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner. Now, they’re ready to roast!

Don’t toss out the guts, either. They can be used to make a homemade pumpkin purée and incorporated into recipes like pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A guide to pumpkin carving using power tools: Video tutorial