Baked Spaghetti Squash

Canyon Ranch, be still my heart, soul, and body. I would like to write you a love letter, because you provided so much positive assistance to me; alas, I pause…sort of! I have a series of recipes based on my Ranch experience. They cook with uncommon creativity, making everything healthy and tasty. I’m revealing secrets from the premier health institute in the USA. Enjoy. This is a national treasure and I’m certain that this recipe (and more shortly) will become a staple on your spreadsheet. Hit the pause button and enjoy. Sending love, good health, and lots of happiness!

Medium spaghetti squash
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper
Baking spray to prep baking sheet

Images: Top Left ~ Whole Spaghetti Squash – Top Right ~ Top half seeded, bottom half, not!
Lower Left ~ Face down on cooking sheet – Lower Right ~ Straight out of the oven

Preheat oven to 375°.
Spray baking sheet with small amount of canola oil.
Cut spaghetti squash in half.
Scoop out seeds.
Place cut side down on baking sheet.
Bake 45 minutes or until soft.
Remove from oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.
Shred squash with a fork into a bowl.
Makes 6 one cup servings.
35 cal per serving.

I add this baked version to a salad for extra flavor and fiber.
I really love this plain, warm out of the oven, room temp, or chilled.
The “add ons” can enhance the flavor if so desired.
You may add spaghetti sauce, maple syrup, Parmesan cheese, or top up a sandwich if you’re in the mood, just for extra fun. Pictured below is the squash topped with my homemade tomato sauce, along side a sculpture from my private collection by Jeff Kiefer.

Creamy Salsa Cheddar Dip

Looking for a healthy, simple, quick, and pleasing appetizer or afternoon snack? Wonderful for even a Monday, or any week night for that matter. I’ve got you covered. So please pay attention ’cause raw veggies are waaaaay underrated.

Small bites + Big Flavors = Don’t Mind if I Do!

Sculpture by Jeff Kiefer from my private collection; additional pieces available at City Art Gallery of Greenville, NC.

16 oz reduced fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups pico de gallo
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 t black pepper

Pulse all together in food processor.
Serve in cocktail glass with veggies on top.
This is also great with sweet ginger cookies or chips.

Pepper Jack Soup

Snow Sculpture

Check out the fun icicles!

Check out the funcicles!

Ladies and Gentlemen…it snowed in ENC last night. Wonder of wonders, Miracle of Miracles! (Thank you Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick for those lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof.) It IS a rare occurrence here, but a fun one! It is cold out and I yearned a bit for a cozy soup. Being too lazy to clean off my car and venture to the grocery, I scanned the fridge and cupboard for ingredients on hand. Felt the creativity surging and came up with this wonderful warmness. Mmmm. Much better than Campbell’s discontinued version!

PS…I made this earlier in the winter to add to a chicken recipe…I’ll share that next week! It gets so busy in this head!

2 Tbs butter
2 Tbs all purpose flour
Small sweet onion, grated
6 cloves garlic, minced
14.5 oz can low fat, low sodium chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
1 t Worcestershire sauce
1/4 t Tabasco
1/4 t fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

In large skillet, melt butter.
Stir in flour and cook until flour begins to turn golden brown.
Add onion and garlic.
Cook 3 minutes, until onion softens and becomes translucent.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes, until thickened and smooth.
Remove from heat.
Immediately whisk in shredded cheese until melted, and soup is smooth.
Season with Worcestershire, Tabasco and pepper.
Ladle into bowls.
Sprinkle with cilantro to garnish.

Serves 6 as meal or 18 in demitasse.

PSagain! Sorry, I can’t find the pic of this. But you don’t need it. You’ll be just fine!