The "Dieter's Dream"...a Wonderful Fall Food!

Have the changing temperatures and falling leaves left you craving fall cuisine? If so, look no further as one of my favorite fall foods, the spaghetti squash, is both delicious and nutritious!

Averaging from 4 to 8 pounds in size, the spaghetti squash has a peak season from early fall through late winter. This food, which has been called a "dieter's dream", has only 42 calories for each 4 ounce serving, is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and is a good source of Niacin, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese. In addition, spaghetti squash is a very good source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamin C.

To cook spaghetti squash:

Microwave It -- Cut squash in half lengthwise; remove seeds. Place squash cut sides up in a microwave dish with 1/4 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap and cook on high for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on size of squash. Add more cooking time if necessary. Let stand covered, for 5 minutes.

Bake It -- Pierce the whole shell several times with a large fork or skewer and place in a baking dish. Cook squash in preheated 375 Degree oven for approximately 1 hour or until flesh is tender.

Boil It -- Heat a pot of water large enough to hold the whole squash. When the water is boiling, drop in the squash and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on its size. When a fork goes easily into the flesh, the squash is done.

Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot - Choose a smaller spaghetti squash (unless you have an extra large slow cooker) so that it will fit. Add 2 cups of water to slow cooker. Pierce the whole shell several times with a large fork or skewer, add to Crock Pot, cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours.

To prepare:

Once the squash is cooked, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes so it will be easier to handle, before cutting in half and removing the seeds. Then, pull a fork lengthwise through the flesh to separate into long strands.

And lastly,

- drizzle with olive oil and cinnamon and use it as a side dish
- top with your favorite marinara sauce for a low calorie spaghetti
- get creative (and please email me your recipes!)

Enjoy - Jake