Monday, August 1, 2016

Spaghetti Squash


Spaghetti Squash Microwave Instructions for Squash: Make cuts all around the spaghetti squash with a knife. Place in microwave in a microwavable dish and microwave on medium-high in 5 minute increments. Rotate spaghetti squash every 5 minutes until soft (total time should be anywhere from 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the spaghetti squash). Remove from microwave. Let cool for 10 minutes. Cut in half and remove seeds, and then separate the strands.
Place on glass baking dish: Now get creative….. Pizza Spaghetti Squash Top each half with 1/2 cup pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pizza toppings then return to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. (Pizza toppings: pepperoni, black olives, ham, sausage, peppers, etc) *********************************************************************************** Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce Add your favorite spaghetti sauce and top with cheese *********************************************************************************** Spaghetti Squash Casserole With Ricotta and Spinach in a large bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, spinach, garlic, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.With a fork, gently scrape out the strands of flesh and add to the ricotta mixture. Mix gently to combine. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish, sprinkle with the mozzarella, and bake until browned and bubbling, 18 to 22 minutes. *********************************************************************************** Taco Spaghetti Squash 1 small onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 large red bell pepper, diced 14 oz red kidney or black bean beans, drained & rinsed 1/2 tsp chili powder 2 tbsp diced canned chilis or jalapeños (or to taste) 1 cup tomato sauce 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped + more for garnish 1 + 1/2 cup Colby Jack/Tex Mex/Mozzarella cheese, shredded & divided 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Cooking spray Preheat medium skillet on medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and sauté for 4 - 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add beans, chili powder, chilies/jalapeños, tomato sauce, cilantro and stir. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup cheese. Stir again. This recipe I scooped the spaghetti squash out and placed into a casserole dish. Top with cheese and back for 10 to 15 minutes.
Chili Spaghetti Squash Spoon in your favorite chili and top with cheese

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients 1 head of cauliflower, grated 1 large egg, lightly beaten 3 ½ cup part skim mozzarella, shredded and divided (2 cups for crust) 1/4 to 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce, (homemade or store bought) 2 cloves minced Toppings of your choice ****************************************************************************** Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Pulse one head of chopped cauliflower into chunks in a food processor until it looks like grain. Microwave the cauliflower for 8 minutes.*************************************** Transfer into a clean, thin dishtowel or cheesecloth. Wrap up the rice and twist the towel to squeeze any excess moisture out. Be careful not to burn your hands. (This step makes a big difference in the final texture of your crust.)********************************************** Place the drained rice into a mixing bowl, along with the egg, ¼ tsp salt, garlic (you can also add Italian seasoning if you like) and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Mix this together until fully combined. Pour the rice mixture onto parchment paper and press into your pizza form (round or square). Keep the dough about ⅓ of an inch thick and try to mold it to be as even and as flat as possible. You can also form the edges to stand up to mimic a crust.*************************************************** Once the crust is fully formed, place back into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is firm and golden brown.********************************************** Spread your tomato sauce or marinara sauce on crust At this point, you can top with whatever normal pizza toppings you prefer. Once you have your toppings, place back into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted. (about 15 to 20 minutes)
*** The key is to bake the crust separately before you add the toppings. This crisps up the cauliflower and cheese so it is capable of holding the sauce and toppings.