A Game of Squash

One of the wonderful things about fall and winter are the abundance of squash varieties.  Baking a good acorn or butternut is a wonderful way to enjoy the late bounty.


Having taken an interest in Pinch My Salt for her plan to bake through the Bread Baker's Apprentice, I stumbled on a recipe she posted for making Spaghetti Squash Gratin.


Given all things, I was very intrigued.  And I had heard of spaghetti squash, but I had yet to appreciate it.  


So off I set to pull the materials together.  And I thought it would make a really nice side dish to some baked salmon.  I had just gotten a deal on a nice Sockeye fillet, and portioned it out.


I cleaned and then microwaved the squash for about 12 minutes which softened things up.  I was then able to use a fork to pull it apart into threads.  It's so cool how it ends up resembling pasta (and a lower cal alternative if you really have to have your spaghetti mouth-feel).

Threw the rest together, popped it into a new casserole baking dish I received for Christmas (yay family that knows I love to cook!)   

Tossed it in the oven at 450 for about 20 mins, and it came out wonderfully.


Along with the Salmon, I realized that while it was good together, it wasn't my favorite way to go and I think I will pair it with something else.  It did turn out pretty light and flavorful, and I enjoyed it unto itself quite a bit.