Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Grace: The simplest and most frequently recommended
way to prepare spaghetti squash is to bake it in a
moderate oven (350 degrees) for 45 minutes to an
hour, or until the skin begins to break. Before
baking, puncture the skin several times to allow
steam to escape. The squash is cooked when it is
easily pierced with a sharp knife.

Cut the cooked squash through the middle
lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and
using a fork, pull the flesh away from the sides. It
will come away in long strands that look like
spaghetti.

Serve it with a pat of butter and a sprinkling of salt,
pepper and parsley. It can also be served with
grated cheddar, Gruyere or other hard cheese, and
it can be used as a substitute for pasta with a variety
of sauces. Save leftovers for a gratin or salad.

One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains only
45 calories. It is an excellent source of folic acid, a
good source of fiber and a fair source of potassium.

The seeds can be dried or baked for a snack. They
are an excellent source of iron, potassium, zinc and
other minerals.