{à table: spaghetti squash spaghetti}

It's Food Friday again!! How has this week passed so quickly?!

One of Mister's love languages is service (though I believe that must be a common one between most men, and of course, moms).  Either way, I knew that he'd be in the field and training so long, that I wanted to make a special dinner.  One of his favorites is spaghetti, but as I'm trying to cut my calorie intake, I wanted to find a solution that would satisfy both of us.  Thankfully I happened upon a fantastic recipe.  The solution....

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

Taking out the pasta cuts our normal meal from about 550 calories (if not more) to just 300 calories (if not less)...depending on your portion control!

What you need:
1 Large spaghetti squash
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Garlic Clove, peeled and finely chopped
2 Cups prepared marinara sauce
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan Cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop and discard all seeds.  Rub the squash inside and out with 1 Tbsp of oil and season the inside with salt and pepper.  Place the squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foi.  Place in the oven and cook for 45 minutes, or until the rind is slightly soft and gives with a little pressure.

3. With a fork, scrape the flesh out into an oven proof bowl, creating the thin strands of "spaghetti".  Cover and keep warm in a very low oven.  this can be done ahead and rewarmed in a low oven or microwave.

4. **Meanwhile, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the garlic.  Stir until the garlic is lightly golden, about 30 seconds, then add the marinara sauce and simmer until warm.


5.  Place the squash strands in 4 pasta bowls, top with the sauce and sprinkle with the cheese.  Serve immediately. 

**I made a "chunkier" version of my homemade spaghetti sauce...as to fully satisfy Mister, but either way - the squash is delicious with sauce.  I didn't miss the pasta one bit!!!






{You may notice the stuffed mushrooms in the picture too.  Don't fret - I'll be sharing that recipe very soon!!}



xx,

Happy Friday and wonderful weekend to all of you fantastic people!!







{recipe courtesy CYT}