Spaghetti Squash~ The Amazing Gourd!

Did you know that 1 cup of spaghetti squash is Only 42 calories, 10 grams of carbs(the good kind, has 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of Protein? Well,now you do.In addition it contains omega-3 essential fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.Good for preventing heart disease, cancer and inflammation caused by arthritis and the omega-6 promotes brain function. It is also rich in beta-carotene, folate, potassium and vitamin B6! Whew!
If you didn't know that I'm sure it is safe to assume that you didn't know that it can be an amazing substitute for pasta in nearly all dishes that require pasta....Even lasagna! This Amazing gourd can be served in many different ways for breakfast, lunch and dinner...even as a snack! How do I know you might ask?? Well, I have tried it and I have been experimenting with it for the past few weeks. Here are a couple of my favorites...
I still am cooking on a budget and it just happens to be the season for all kinds of wonderful gourds. This means they are fully stocked at your grocery store and usually on sale!! I have been buying them for 77 cents a pound. I can get about 8 to 10 servings from one $5.00 squash

BUTTERED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Ingredients:
* 1 Large Spaghetti Squash
* 2 Tablespoons butter or olive oil
* Salt and Pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cut in Half long ways, turn flesh side down in microwave dish with 1 inch water. micro about 10 to 12 mins until soft. Or boil until soft.
2. Use fork to pull the squash strands from the shell onto a serving plate or bowl.
3. Mix with butter or olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.



CHEESY SPAGHETTI SQUASH
Ingredients:

* 1 lARGE Spaghetti Squash
* 1/2 TO 3/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
* 1/4-1/2 Cup Butter or Olive Oil
* Salt and Pepper to taste.

Steps:

1. Cook and Prepare Spaghetti Squash with your choice of basic methods (above).
2. Toss squash strands gently with butter, cheese, salt, and pepper.

THESE NEXT TWO ARE MY FAVORITES!!!

SPAGHETTI SQUASH HASH BROWNS
Ingredients:

* 1 Medium Spaghetti Squash, cooked
* 1/3 cups all-purpose Flour (or try Whole Wheat Flour for a healthier dish)
* 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
* 4 Tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Sour cream garnish (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare and cook squash (see basic methods above).
2. Mix squash strands with flour and cheese.
3. Heat 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Spoon 1/4 cup of squash mixture into skillet.
5. Pat and press the squash mixture to form a thick "hash brown" cake.
6. Cook until bottom is lightly browned.
7. Turn hash brown over and cook the other side until lightly browned.
8. Continue with remaining squash mixture, adding butter or oil to the skillet as needed.
9. Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper to taste.
10. serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH TOMATOES AND HERBS
Ingredients:

* 1 Medium Spaghetti squash
* 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
* 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
* 1 Can Diced Tomatoes, drained
* 1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Basil
* 1/8 teaspoon Dried Oregano
* 2-3 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Romano Cheese if you prefer)


Steps:

1. Prepare and cook squash using any of the basic methods above.
2. Sauté the minced garlic in the 2 teaspoons Olive Oil until it's softened and fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes, basil, and oregano to the garlic and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes.
4. Spoon the garlic tomatoe mixture on top of squash strands.
5. Top with grated parmesan or romano cheese.

***WITH THIS ONE FEEL FREE TO ADD BROCCOLI AND MUSHROOMS YUMMMMMMY!!!

Have a Beautiful Day Filled with Love, Opportunity and Potential. xoxo