Why not try something a little different for Halloween this year, and carve up a turnip lantern (or two!) to hang out on the porch along with your pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns? It’s easy – here’s how to do it:

1. Find a big, round turnip — the bigger and rounder, the better.

2. About a quarter of the way down, slice off the top completely.

3. Scoop out the insides with a spoon. Make the shell as thin as you can without breaking the skin. Leave a layer of flesh on the bottom. In it, hollow out a socket for a candle.

4. With a very sharp, fine knife, etch a design on the turnip. Be careful not to cut through the skin — it’s a lot thinner than a pumpkin shell, and if it’s broken, your lantern will collapse.

5. Push a candle into the socket.

6. With an awl or a nail, poke a hole on each side, about an inch or so down from the top.

7. Thread wire or sturdy cord through the holes to make a handle. Be sure to keep it long enough so you don’t burn your hand when you hold on to it.

8. Light the candle carefully, using a long fireplace match.

9. Then hang it up outside on Halloween night for all the little trick-or-treaters to enjoy!