Despite the fact that squash peaks around November, you can usually find some nice ones available up through Yule. This versatile vegetable is a bright sunny yellow -- just right for celebrating the return of the sun at the winter solstice. It also happens to be a perfect substitute for pasta, and tastes so much richer. Add butter and garlic, and it's a fabulous side dish for your Yule menu!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 - 4 cloves of garlic, to taste
- 1/4 C freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. basil
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Don't worry if there are still some stringy bits of pulp in there. Cut the stick of butter in half lengthwise, and place one half in each half of the squash. Lay the two squash halves in a baking dish.
Sprinkle the tops with Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and salt & pepper to taste. Bake for an hour, and then check to see if squash is softened yet. If it still seems firm, give it another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Scoop out the spaghetti-like strands and enjoy as a side dish or a meal!
