Spaghetti Squash with Sauteed Vegetables

Before the storm, I had gotten a new mandolin and this is a great recipe to use it. As I said yesterday, spaghetti squash is a great alternative to pasta. This version is with garlic and oil and adds in extra vegetables.

Recipe yields 4 servings (as a main dish)

Ingredients
2 large spaghetti squash
2 large carrots
1 large zuchini
1 large yellow squash
1 head of garlic
2-3 tbsp olive oil

Using my new mandolin, on the the fine julienne setting, I sliced the carrots, zucchini and yellow squash. If you don't have a mandolin, julienne the vegetables with a knife.

Heat olive oil in a a large skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until golden brown and fragrant.

Add the julienned vegetables to the skillet. Cook until tender, roughly 10-12 minutes.

Add the sauteed vegetables to prepared spaghetti squash. (Look here for how to prepare: How To: Prepare Spaghetti Squash)

Stir well to evenly incorporate the vegetables with the spaghetti squash. Add more oil if needed. Serve and enjoy!

How To: Prepare Spaghetti Squash

I could easily eat pasta every day of the week and I would never be tired of it. However, I also would never fit into any of my clothes! Well spaghetti squash is a great substitute to paste that eliminates the carb factor and ups your daily vegetable intake. It is very easy and versatile to prepare, check back tomorrow for how I used it this week.

Recipe yields 4 servings (as a main dish)

Ingredients
2 large spaghetti squash
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice squash in half lengthwise.

Using the edge of a spoon, scrape out the seeds and stringy insides. Place squash halves on a baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Bake for 55-60 minutes. The insides should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Using a fork, scrape out the insides. The insides form skinny strands just like spaghetti!

Season with some more salt and pepper or drizzle with olive oil and serve as a side dish. Or top with tomato sauce and serve as a main dish. Enjoy your new pasta substitute!

Spinach & Mozz Chicken Roll-ups

It has been exactly four long weeks since my last post and I don't like it one bit! I am finally back in the kitchen and couldn't be happier. For our first family dinner back together, I am making chicken roll-ups with sauteed spinach and mozzarella cheese. Feel free to swap the mozzarella for your favorite cheese.

Recipe yields 6 servings

Ingredients
2 lbs thinly sliced chicken breast
16 oz fresh baby spinach
1 head garlic
4 tbsp olive oil
10 oz mozzarella cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large saute pan, heat olive oil. While heating up, chop the garlic and add to oil.

Saute until golden and fragrant. Add dry spinach by the handful, pushing into the pan to fit it all.

Cook on medium-high heat until all spinach is soft and wilted. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

Thinly slice the mozzarella cheese. Lay a piece of cheese and a spoonful of spinach on top of each chicken cutlet.

Roll the chicken being sure to keep all the goods inside and secure with a toothpick.

First dip the chicken roll-ups in egg and then coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet prepared with non-stick cooking spray.

Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The chicken will be golden brown when it is ready to come out.

Remove from oven and serve alongside rice or vegetables. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Today is a day to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. It has been a rough past few weeks, but I am thankful that my friends and family are all safe. Although this may not be the Thanksgiving I had planned, it is one I will surely remember. Today as I appreciate the love that surrounds me, I will plan my menu for next year and begin planning for my Christmas Cookie Week Spectacular. As every day things get better, the time until my next 'food' post shortens and the sooner I can get back to what I love doing. So be sure to check back soon for the blog to be back up and running. I wish everyone a very happy and filling Thanksgiving! -- Christine

Post-Sandy Update

Hello Everyone. I hope everyone is safe and sound after the toll Sandy took on the Northeast. Unfortunately, I was not so lucky and my house is out of commission. With that, my posts will likely be few and far between for a little while as my family and I try to get back on our feet. I appreciate all your loyalty and understanding. If you were also affected, stay strong! -- Christine