Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Yes another side dish my friends. OR a great replacement for spaghetti noodles or really any other kind of pasta.
I absolutely love spaghetti squash. Growing up I never liked squash at all, and even now I'm not a huge super fan....BUT spaghetti squash has always been a squash that I do enjoy. Its kind of funny how many people have no idea how to cook a good vegetable side dish. Growing up I learned that you boil everything, not that that is bad, but it sucks all the flavor out of your food. Here is a secret to amazing vegetable sides...
ROASTING! Roasting vegetables adds so much amazing flavor.
Now, back to the squash. I really think you should give it a try even if you say you don't like squash. Spaghetti squash has such a different flavor then other squashes because it isn't mushy like others when you cook it. It pulls apart into strands, which not only is fun to do, but makes it have more texture.

There are a couple of methods of cooking a spaghetti squash that I would like to share today. Roasting and using the microwave.

Microwave:
Using the microwave to cook your squash can save you quite a bit of time if you are in a hurry and it still tastes pretty good. Although it will not have that nice nutty roasted flavor.
1. Rinse off your squash just in case it still has a little dirt on it.
2. Cut it in half length wise, which will be a little hard but with practice you will be able to get through them easily.
3. Scoop out the seeds and fibers.
4. Season with salt and pepper
5. Place in a microwave safe dish with a little bit of water in the bottom to help steam the squash.
6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave 8-10 minutes depending on size.

Roasting:
Yes this way is a little more time consuming and heats up your kitchen a little bit but it does develop a little bit more of a roasted nutty flavor in the squash. 
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1. Rinse off your squash just in case it still has a little dirt on it.
2. Cut it in half length wise
3. Scoop out the seeds and fibers
4.Sprinkle with salt, pepper, olive oil..whatever you like
5. Place cut side up on a baking sheet and roast it for about an hour until the skin gives easily under pressure and the inside is tender.

**Randi's Side Notes**
~ I know that some people cook their squash whole in the microwave because it still doesn't take as long as cutting it in half and roasting. I personally have never done this but if you do, I would love to know how it turns out and how you do it!
~ OH and I personally love fresh steamed green beans as another vegetable pairing to spaghetti squash. LOVE IT! In fact I will cook these two up sometimes just to have for a light lunch!