How to cook Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash has been one of my favorite foods for quite some time now. I really can't get enough of it, and it's a healthy replacement for so many things! 

This is a frequent dinner for us at my home. I always have a spaghetti squash on hand because they last awhile and are super easy to cook.

Here is how I usually cook it:

1. Start about an hour before you are ready to eat dinner.

2. Turn the oven on to 350 degrees.

3. Cover a flat baking pan with tinfoil (helps with the mess after).

4. Cut the spaghetti squash in half, and scrape out the seeds/goobers on the inside. Cutting it can be tough on bigger ones. I sometimes make my husband do it for me. You can cut it in half the night before, and just cover the open side with Saran Wrap and put it in the fridge.

5. I drizzle olive oil, pepper, and basil on it, but you can use anything or nothing.

6. Cook for 30-50 minutes. I know this is a big range, but each oven seems to cook them differently. Also the bigger the spaghetti squash, the longer it will take. 

7. It is done when you can stick a fork into it and begin to pry apart the strands. If the strands don't separate, it isn't done. I find it better to take it out early, than to over-cook it. If it is a little hard once you've scraped out the strands you can put it in the microwave for a minute or two.

8. Once it has cooled a little, I use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti squash.

The best part about spaghetti squash is it takes about 2 minutes to prepare, and then it cooks itself!

The rest of the meal is just as easy to cook. For this dinner I cooked chicken and asparagus in a pan, and then mixed in spinach and mozzarella cheese when it was almost done. Mushrooms can also be really good with this dish. One of my other favorite ways to eat spaghetti squash is eating it with spaghetti sauce and broccoli. I get to feel like I'm having a nice Italian dinner, but without all the carbs.

Mexican Quinoa Bowl

This is one of the best go to healthy meals. It's quick, easy, and I usually have the items on hand. I add different items depending on what is in my fridge. If it could go in a burrito, throw it in the bowl!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup quinoa

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 red pepper

1/2 onion 

1 Lime

2 Chicken Breasts 

Cheese

1 avocado

1/2 jalapeño

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 

This serves 3-4 people

DIRECTIONS

1.    Begin by cooking the quinoa. The rule is 2:1. Cook 2 cups liquid with 1 cup quinoa. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the quinoa, about 2 minutes, then cook it how you would normally cook rice. I like using 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup water, but you can use all broth or all water and it turns out nicely either way.

2.    I flavor my chicken with a little olive oil, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic salt and black pepper. However you choose will work fine.

3.    Cut the chicken and red pepper into bite size pieces, and chop the jalapeño and onion. Cook all of these items in a separate pan with a little olive oil.

4.    When the quinoa is finished cooking, drain the corn and beans, and add the rest to the pot of quinoa. It will still be warm so it will heat up the corn and beans for you.

5.    Then add your cooked chicken, red pepper, jalapeño, and onion to the mixture.

6.    After you have added portions to a bowl for serving, sprinkle on a little chedder or feta cheese. Top with sliced avocado, and squeeze a little lime across the top.

7.    Eat and enjoy!

Nut Balls

My old roommate Alaina used to make these for me and she got me addicted. They are one of my favorite treats to have on hand and they are relatively healthy. You can usually find a batch of these in my freezer at anytime. They are so much better for you than the usual treats I have sitting around my house like cupcakes and cookies.

INGREDIENTS

Almonds

Olive Oil

Honey

Cocoa

Unsweetened Coconut

tsp Vanilla

Pinch of Salt

I honestly have no idea the amounts you are supposed to use. I always make them to taste and they turn out a little different every time. 

I usually start with about 2 cups finely ground almonds. I poor the almonds into my Blend-tech and put it on level 3 for about 5 seconds and it's already done the job. Stop it before it's complete powder, you want some chunks in it.

I add even amounts of olive oil and honey and about 1/2 cup coconut to the almonds in a large bowl. Your goal is to use enough olive oil and honey that the balls can stick together with out over powering the nut balls  You still want to taste the nut but making them a little sweeter. Also add about 2 TBL of cocoa depending on how chocolaty you want it, and your pinch of salt and vanilla. 

I usually stir with a fork. I try to add as few ingredients as I can so that they stay healthier. Add enough honey and olive oil that they stick together. Keep adding until you can role a ball, and your happy with the taste.

Once they are rolled I put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once fully frozen I transfer to tupperware and leave in freezer to enjoy whenever I need a little treat. I also eat them for breakfast when I'm running late in the morning!

Enjoy!

Black Bean Burger

This isn't the best photo. All I had was my iPhone and it was dark. But know that it tasted really good! Black bean burgers are so tasty! You can eat the patty by itself and its still delicious. I made them for my husband and I and his old roommate one night with the bun and veggies, and then ate just a leftover patty the next day for lunch.

INGREDIENTS

2 slices high-quality which sandwich bread, torn into pieces 
2 cans black beans, rinsed
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 shallot, minced 

DIRECTIONS

I'm going to give more detailed directions than I usually do because this recipe was easier to mess up than most recipes. I tend to always try to make things healthier and I added extra veggies and less bread crumbs. Don't. It makes the patties fall apart really easily. This recipe is best to follow exact the first time and then make adjustments accordingly the next time you make it.

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Pulse bread crumbs in food processor to coarse crumbs. Spread crumbs on rimmed baking sheet and bake till golden brown. About 10 min. Let cool to room temperature.

2.Place 2 1/2 cups of the beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth. In separate bowl whisk eggs, 1 TBL oil, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper.

3.Stir egg mixture, toasted breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 cup beans, bell pepper, cilantro, and shallot into mashed beans. Divide into 6 patties about 1-inch-thick.

4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully lay patties on skillet and cook until well browned on both sides. 8-10 min.

Serve

These really are delicious and I would recommend trying them. Pair them with sweet potato fries and you won't regret it.

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Kathryn and its in American Test Kitchen's Healthy Family cookbook.

Energy Balls

This is my favorite quick healthy and super easy dessert. I make these when ever I want a treat, but I still am being somewhat health conscious. They are delicious and taste like cookie dough, yet are much better for you than cookie dough. My boyfriend has me make them for him every time I'm staying at his house.

Ingredients 

1 1/4 cup oatmeal
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

You through these in a bowl. Mix them up. Roll them into balls and then through them into the freezer to make them extra good. 

Almost anything can be substituted and you can add anything you like. I like them with a little less honey and peanut butter. It makes them a lot harder to roll up but they taste pretty similar and are much healthier that way. You can also add flaxseed, bran, or anything else to it.

These are the best because you can always have the ingredients on hand, as well as they last a really long time in the freezer.

ENJOY!

Healthy Oatmeal Mint Cookies

These are a nice healthy cookie that you don't have to feel bad for eating.

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/4 cups of large flaked rolled oats

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 TBLS cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup applesauce

1 TBLS molasses (brown sugar + maple syrup)

1 egg ( beat w/ one TBLS water)

1 tsp vanilla

mint chocolate chips 

Mix all dry ingredients together, then mix wet separately. Add wet ingredients to dry. 

Cool mix for 20 min. in fridge to let oats expand.

Preheat 335 degrees

Bake 10 min. 

*I cook for less than ten minutes and pull them out while still gooey. If they are cooked longer they dry out more and are more similar to a granola bar which can be good, just different.

**If you don't like mint substitute for rasion + walnut, white chocolate chips + cran-raison, chocolate chips, or whatever is your favorite addition.

Wheat Pumpkin Muffins

 It's Halloween so pumpkin is necessary.

 These are a really great healthy muffin.

Whisk...

1 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup pecan mean (Flaxseed, bran)

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

Whisk...

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup buttermilk (1/2 cup milk + 1/2 T lemon)

2 eggs slightly beaten

1/4 cup applesauce

+ raisins or chocolate chips

Poor wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon

Cook on 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes

Healthy Bran Muffins

When eating these you really have to remember that they are actually pretty good for you. If you think of them as a yummy muffin, you may be disappointed. Most people I have made these for love them and some don't. I personally really like them but I eat rather healthy, and have a really high fiber diet. I like them after I work out because they are good for me and still a treat.

1 cup all purpose flour (whole wheat pastry flour)

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cup wheat bran
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
6 tbsp honey (about 1/3 cup)
2 cups buttermilk (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon, let it sit for a min. or so)
1 egg beaten
3 tbsp melted butter (applesauce)

add cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg, flaxseed meal to your liking

(maybe substitute 1/4 bran for flaxseed if you like it)
1 tbsp cinnamon? less nutmeg than that. I use a lot of cinnamon.

If I'm feeling super weird I add protein powder, then these can be a good recovery snack after a tough workout.

Add dry ingredients, add wet ingredients together, then mix them.

Heat oven to 350 degrees, cook about 15-20 min. Most likely 15.

Calories: 82, Fat: 2.1
(That is before my substitutions. So with them I'm sure it's a lot less.)

My substitutions are in parenthesis, they are either because they are
easier or healthier. I've never actually made them how the recipe is is supposed to be made. They may turn out completely different.

I usually make some with chocolate chips, some with raisin's and walnuts, 

and leave some plain and eat with jam or honey. My favorite is plain and eaten with jam.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these cookies a few weeks ago because I was really craving pumpkin. If you haven't over done pumpkin flavor yet, try these out. They are almost cake cookies, and are best right out of the oven, or left in the fridge.

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup apple sauce

1 egg

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup wheat pastry flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp milk

1 tbsp vanilla

Add either raisin's or semi-sweet chocolate chips to your liking. I also added cinnamon chips.

Mix pumpkin, sugar, applesauce, egg. Separately mix the rest. Then mix together and add Vanilla.

Cook on 350 degrees F, for around 10 min.

These cookies are great and are relatively healthy. I used 1 cup pastry wheat flour, 1 cup wheat flour. I enjoyed them this way, but for most people they might turn out a little thick. I also substitute some white sugar for brown sugar. If you don't care about healthy and want them to taste better, use all white flour and vegetable oil instead of applesauce.