🎃 [Toddler-Friendly Delight!] Easy & Adorable Halloween Pumpkin Tea-Towel Squeezes (Kabocha Chakin Shibori) 👻

Are you looking for an easy and delicious treat to make with your kids this Halloween?

We’re sharing a recipe for Pumpkin Tea-Towel Squeezes (known as Kabocha Chakin Shibori in Japanese), but with a cute Jack-o’-Lantern twist! The cooking process is so simple that even the smallest hands can happily help you in the kitchen.

🧡 Ingredients (Makes approx. 4 pieces)

Pumpkin (Kabocha/Butternut Squash/Sweet Pumpkin): About 1/4 of a medium pumpkin (approx. 200g / 7 oz of flesh)
Sugar: 1 to 2 Tbsp (Adjust based on the natural sweetness of your pumpkin and preference)
Milk (or Soy Milk): 1 Tbsp (Adjust consistency as needed)
(Optional) Butter or Margarine: A small amount (adds richness)
Nori (Seaweed Sheet), Pumpkin skin, or Food Decorating Pen: For making the face parts

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook and Mash the Pumpkin

Remove the seeds and stringy fibers from the pumpkin, then cut it into appropriately sized pieces.
Place the pieces in a heatproof container, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and microwave (at 600W for about 5–8 minutes) until soft. A skewer should pierce it easily.

While still hot, remove the skin (save the skin if you want to use it for decorations) and mash the flesh until smooth with a masher or fork.

2. Season the Mixture

To the mashed pumpkin, add the sugar, milk (adjust the amount to reach a moldable consistency), and butter. Mix well.
- 💡Tip for Toddlers: Keep the sugar minimal to let the pumpkin’s natural sweetness shine! Add the milk gradually until the mixture is firm enough to roll.

3. Shape the Pumpkins (A fun step for kids!)

Divide the pumpkin mixture into 4 equal portions.
Place one portion on a piece of plastic wrap.
Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist them tightly to form a neat, round pumpkin shape.
- 💡Tip: You can secure the twisted top with a rubber band for a more stable shape. Once unwrapped, use the dull side of a knife or a skewer to gently press vertical lines onto the surface to resemble a pumpkin.

4. Create the Jack-o’-Lantern Face

Using scissors, cut the Nori (seaweed) into small triangles for the eyes and a mouth shape.
Gently press the Nori pieces onto the surface of the tea-towel squeeze to create an adorable Jack-o’-Lantern face!
- Arrangement Ideas: You can also cut out small shapes from the pumpkin skin for the eyes and stem, or use a food-safe decorating pen to draw the faces.

😋 Serving & Extra Tips

Surprise Inside!: Before shaping, press a small cube of cream cheese or cooked sweet potato into the center of the mixture for a fun filling.
Nutrition Boost!: Mix in a little powdered milk or Kinako (roasted soybean flour) for added protein and nutrients.

📣 Conclusion

This Halloween Pumpkin Tea-Towel Squeeze recipe is incredibly easy—just microwave, mash, and mix! Since there’s no stovetop cooking, it’s a perfect activity for little chefs.

Get ready to see their proud smiles! This Halloween, enjoy this simple, cute, and delicious treat-making activity with your family. Happy Halloween! 🎃👻✨