Spaghetti squash is fun!



It's been a while since I've played with my food.

Lately, with my commute and my workout schedule and making time to relax with Murdo, cooking has become a rushed affair that involves throwing together random ingredients in the quickest way possible. And because my dark little kitchen isn't the greatest spot for dinner photo shoots, the pictures always end up a little...meh. Needless to say, my cooking (and my blog) has been craving excitement.

Enter my Sunday afternoon play date with a spaghetti squash.




I've been playing around with the idea of the spaghetti squash ever since November, when I saw these photos. I was intrigued by the nutritional benefits as well as the coolness factor and the simplicity. I could eat spaghetti without the load of carbs? I could turn a squash into noodles? And all I need is a big knife and an oven? Sign me up, baby.





OK, so it took about three months for me to actually get around to even buying a spaghetti squash. And then another two weeks to finally take a break from lazing around during my precious weekend daylight hours to spend a little quality time with the squash. And my camera. Next to the only window in my apartment.



Let me tell you -- a spaghetti squash really knows how to show a girl a good time. Oh, and I took my time. With no real hunger to feed (I was still full from breakfast) besides my starving curiosity, I remembered what it was like to slow down and really appreciate something new and different. After weeks of the same old go-to ingredients and familiar cooking methods, this spaghetti squash was a welcome adventure.

spaghetti-ing

But let's move on to the spaghetti portion of the program. To transform this squash into a noodle, I cut it in half (that part kind of scared me, but I got through it, thanks to the big, bad, very sharp multipurpose knife I got for Christmas), scooped out the seeds and innards, brushed with olive oil and butter and sprinkled with salt and pepper, then placed the halves cut-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. After fifty minutes of roasting in a 400-degree oven, the squash was tender and steaming and ready for spaghetti.





Pulling the strands away with a fork and watching this squash give birth to spaghetti is pretty neat. And the results are, well...spaghetti. The noodles have a slight crunch and a mild flavor that would pair well with any sauce or ingredient.

spaghetti squash

I tossed mine with Parmesan cheese, garlic flakes, Italian seasonings, and a squeeze of lemon. It was light, simple, comforting, and delicious. For lunch the next day, I added turkey meatballs. For dinner, peas and tuna. And there's still a serving or two waiting patiently in my fridge, ready for another something new and exciting.

Comments

  1. I really like the way you explained taking your time with the squash, enjoying something new. That's one of the things that always brings me back to the kitchen - it's very calming and exciting, both.

    PS - Don't you love natural light for photos? It's like the coolest thing ever what a difference it makes. I'm totally addicted. Now if I could just figure out a way to be home instead of at work...

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  2. Don't show this post to Zoe. I think she had a play date with this squash too!

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  3. Yum, spaghetti squash is the best!

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  4. I also just recently tried spaghetti squash. It really is tasty and is so cool how it turns into noodles. Great pictures!

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  5. shanna - i enjoy cooking so much more when i can take my time. too bad i'm usually too hungry to take my time or too lazy to make the time...

    and yes, natural light rocks. :)

    ryan - do it, man.

    j - what a weird cat. i love zoe.

    alisa - i'm officially addicted to spaghetti squash! thanks for stopping by.

    sara - thanks! i had a lot of fun with this post.

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  6. what a cool idea! I really like the sound of the first lunch so fresh and natural. I'll have to try this one.

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  7. Hey cousin! It's JoAnn! Steph told me you had a food blog so I had to come over and see all the scrumptious food!

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  8. katie - definitely put roasted spaghetti squash on your to-do list. p.s. sorry for the late response!

    joann - hey there! i had no idea stephanie even read my blog. but i'm glad you guys found my little food corner! i'm off to explore your blogs and photos now...

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  9. a few years late to the convo, but bought two spaghetti squashes yesterday and this is perfect guide on how to cook them...thanks!

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