Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Really Random Tuesday #88: A Book Winner, and the Secrets of Spaghetti Squash

Boop-oop-a-doop!  Please help me to congratulate Lisa Brown, who uses this cute picture of Betty Boop as her online icon.  Lisa has won an ebook version of The Missing Heir by author Linda Weaver Clarke.  Congrats, Lisa!  I think you'll enjoy reading this book.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway for this romantic, cozy mystery.  If you didn't win this time, please check the right side of my blog for other giveaways.  

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I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't eat a lot of meat.  A while ago, I started a tradition of Meatless Mondays in our home.  One dish I have started to make recently for Meatless Monday is spaghetti squash, although of course you could make this on any day of the week.  Recently, I found some organic spaghetti squash at Jimbo's, which carries primarily organic produce.

Spaghetti Squash


Ingredients:
2 spaghetti squashes, preferably organic
Olive oil
Salt, pepper, and spices
A small amount of water for the baking dish
Tomato or other sauce
Parmesan cheese, for topping


Directions:
Spaghetti squash is a tasty, healthy alternative to regular spaghetti or pasta, and is super easy to make. However, cutting the squash in half lengthwise is hard for me!  Perhaps I don't have the right knife for this.  You need a long, sturdy, and sharp knife to cut the squash.  None of my kitchen knives fit these requirements.  Anyway, I put the squash in the microwave first for a minute or two (even though I don't like to use microwaves), to soften it a bit and make it easier to cut in half.  Then I put the knife in the center of the squash, and cut it in half carefully, using my hands to separate the halves if needed.  Please be careful as the knife can get stuck!  Also, please use pot holders to handle the squash once it's been "nuked" (and after it's been in the oven).

Preheat oven to 350º.  After you succeed in cutting the squash in half, gently scrap out the seeds in the center.  Season the squash with a bit of olive oil (I use my Misto), and oregano, salt, pepper, or other spices to taste, and place cut side up in a baking dish with about 1/4 inch of water in it.  I use glass baking dishes, two halves per dish.


Cook uncovered for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender.  Handle hot squash (and dishes, too, of course) with pot holders.  Scrap inside of cooked squash with a fork and scoop out the "spaghetti".  Each person should get about half a squash.  Makes 4 servings.

Top with your favorite sauce (or more olive oil), and Parmesan cheese.  I love the addition of shredded Parmesan.  Serve with a fresh salad and some bread, if desired.  I want to try adding thin slices of cooked zucchini to this, to add even more squash to this dish!    

A plate of spaghetti squash

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Appearing on random Tuesdays, Really Random Tuesday is a way to post odds and ends--announcements, musings, quotes, photos--any blogging and book-related things you can think of.  I often announce my book giveaway winners in these posts, and sometimes I also share a recipe. If you have miscellaneous book news to gather up and are inspired by this idea, "grab" the button for use on your own blog, and add your link to the "master" Mister Linky on the Really Random Tuesday page.

Have a terrific Tuesday!  Your comments are welcomed.

11 comments:

  1. Congratulations Lisa!

    I don't eat a lot of meat either. I've had, and enjoyed, spaghetti squash but I've never prepared it. Thanks for the recipe!

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  2. Congratulations to Lisa!

    I love spaghetti squash. I am not sure if I ever had it with tomato sauce. I must try this soon.

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  3. Congrats to Lisa! I've heard of spaghetti squash as a healthy alternative to spaghetti, but never knew how it was made. Thanks for the recipe and tips! Looks delicious!

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  4. Congratulation Lisa!!

    I love that you post recipes on these posts!! I've never made spaghetti squash before, but since I'm trying to eat healthier, I'm going to try this recipe as soon as I get to the store.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words, Vicki!
      If you get the spaghetti squash at Trader Joe's, you may find the cooking instructions on a little label right on the squash. (I wish Trader Joe's had organic spaghetti squash.) Anyway, I hope you and your family enjoy this dish!

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  5. I use spaghetti squash in my casseroles and it's wonderful. I've also used cauliflower. It depends on what I am putting into the casserole and how the flavors will work best.

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  6. I should so do this!!! I am trying to rid myself of processed foods, and so many starches, and this would be a great way to progress on that goal. Thanks for the directions and the pictures!

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  7. We love spaghetti squash at my house and fix it similar to your recipe. Yum!

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  8. I tried spaghetti squash once and it was a disaster. I should try this recipe because I've heard so many people raving how good this is.

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  9. This looks delicious and I bet my kids would like it since they are such huge fans of spaghetti anyways. I might have to give this recipe a try myself :)

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