Love at First Sight

When I came down to breakfast this morning, I was surprised to find this intriguing personage in my kitchen.  I was immediately filled with joy.  All my troubles seemed to fade. 

Spaghetti Squash Man!

I first discovered spaghetti squash about a year ago, after hearing about it at Weight Watchers.  It sounded impossible – a squash that becomes like strands of spaghetti when cooked?  And is zero points?!  I decided to bring one into my home and try it. 

And now I find I like it better than pasta from a box.  Spaghetti squash has a little bit of a crunch to it, and a subtly interesting flavor.  The rest of the family don’t like it much, but that’s okay – it just means more spaghetti squash for me.  Spaghetti squash also has seeds that can be roasted (just like pumpkin seeds). Oh, Spaghetti Squash Man, I love you. 

The only pasta substitute that might have more personality (or at least more names) in the Common Household is quinoa.  Now that I have met Spaghetti Squash Man, quinoa seems a little less interesting, because my husband can’t draw faces on quinoa.

Recipe for Spaghetti Squash Man

Buy spaghetti squash.  You can store him on the counter for several weeks, if you don’t get around to cooking him right away.  Leave at least overnight so that your spouse has a chance to draw amusing face on squash. 

In the morning, express delight at the new person in your kitchen.  Just seeing Spaghetti Squash Man can chase away your worries about the day, such as the leaking bathroom sink.

When it’s time to prepare dinner, try to ignore Squash Man’s facial features.  Using large knife, stab Squash Man, cutting in half lengthwise while appreciating his sacrifice.  Dig out the seeds and save for roasting.

Place squash halves cut-side down (I was going to say ‘face-down’ but that has a different meaning if there is a face drawn on the squash skin) on a microwave-safe plate.  Microwave for 5 to 7 minutes, until Squash Man half is fairly soft when poked with a fork.

Holding Squash Man half tenderly in oven mitt, scrape insides with a fork, which makes it turn into spaghetti-like strands.  Serve as is, or under marinara sauce, or with butter and salt.

Roasted Squash Man Seeds

A spaghetti squash won’t have a lot of seeds, so you might not feel like going to the trouble, but I love ‘em.

Remove seeds from squash pulp. Place in strainer and rinse. Pat dry with a paper towel.  Spray baking pan with cooking spray. Spread seeds out in single layer. Sprinkle lightly with salt, if desired.  Place in 325-degree oven, stirring often to ensure even browning until a pleasant aroma is apparent, about 15 to 25 minutes. Watch carefully so you don’t overcook them.  Remove and transfer to a fresh pan or plate to cool.