In The Kitchen with Laura McKenna: Use This To Keep Your Jack-O’-Lantern Fresh
October 23, 2025 12:06 PM CDT
By: Laura McKenna
Supported by
Keep your Jack-O’-Lantern from getting too gummy too soon with lemon juice! It also works to keep the bugs from feasting on your artwork.
Use a generous amount of lemon juice and brush it inside the carved pumpkin. The lemon juice slows the oxidation process (which causes the pumpkin to rot and get nasty).
Bugs generally don’t like the smell of citrus so they’ll leave your carved pumpkin be and move on to other things to feast upon.
Repeat brushing on the lemon juice every few days for maximum freshness and prolonged life of your Jack-O’-Lantern.
Happy Halloween!
Want to share an In The Kitchen tip of your own? Email anytime, Laura would love to hear from you: [email protected]
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW
or starting at 9am weekdays on 97.9 FM WGBW!
More Articles By Laura McKenna
10.20.25
Movie Monday Review: Heretic
I now love sinister Hugh Grant more than I love the “Aww, Shucks Rom-Com” Hugh Grant (although he’s believable in those roles, too- Love, Actually (2003), Notting Hill (1999), etc.) Without giving anything anyway, let me say this: If you love scary/thriller/cat & mouse style movies, watch Heretic (2024). I loved it. That’s all I’m […]
Read More >
10.14.25
Recall Alert: Frozen Spinach
The only person who loves spinach more than I do is probably Popeye. But check your freezer because I think we’re all in agreement that NO ONE wants spinach with listeria lurking inside. Sno Pac Foods has recalled its Del Mar 35-pound Bulk Organic Frozen Spinach (that’s a pretty big package for the average consumer) […]
Read More >
10.13.25
Movie Monday: Behind the scenes of GOOD BOY with the dog himself
Have you seen the new horror movie told from the dog’s point of view? Good Boy (2025) tells the scary story of a dog and his owner that move to a rural family home to discover supernatural forces lurking there. But behind the scenes with this adorable good boy is anything but spooky. It’s adorable! […]
Read More >
10.08.25
In The Kitchen with Laura McKenna: Pierogi
I’m always amazed to hear that so many people have never had a pierogi! You have no idea what you’re missing. Homemade versions are delicious but there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a box from the frozen food aisle to try. You can boil these mashed potato dumplings and garnish as you wish…. Or, try my […]
Read More >
