Spaghetti Squash

I usually just serve spaghetti squash like spaghetti, with a marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, some salad, and perhaps a bit of garlic bread. But this time I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to try something different. That, and I was out of marinara sauce and didn’t have enough tomatoes to make my own.

In searching I found what sounded like a lovely casserole, but of course, had next to none of the ingredients (except the spaghetti squash, of course). Do check that one out and let me know if you try it. It does sound very good. And, it inspired me to see what I could pull together from what I did have in my kitchen.

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 bunch chopped green onion
• a couple Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• salt & pepper
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar
• bread crumbs

Bake the squash whole at 350 degrees for about an hour. Cool enough to handle, then cut in half and scoop out the seeds. Scrape out the stringy squash with a fork into a mixing bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients (except cheese and bread crumbs) in the squash and transfer to casserole. Sprinkle cheese on top, then bread crumbs. Drizzle a little olive oil over the crumbs. Bake in 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Pictures to follow (I actually took a couple).

It turned out quite good and we ate it up gladly. But I think I might add more tomatoes and mix some of the cheese in with the squash next time around.

The Saga Continues

I’m not real sure what to do with this information, yet, but here are some links with more information about the melamine contamination – very interesting . . .

• Tainted Feed in Indiana
• FDA Alert
• Link Between Pet Food, Kidney Failure

So, yesterday I switched Rusty from commercial dog food to a more dog-appropriate raw meaty bone diet. But due to budget constraints, I purchased big name chicken from the grocery store. I’m a little frustrated to find that the chicken I purchased could possibly have issues, as well, due to the feed they were given. Aaaargh!

But, if we manage to avoid any of this conaminated food and he survives the next few weeks (tongue in cheek), we’ll be able to join a co-op after we move that purchases grass-fed, organic, and natural meats for feeding our canine and feline friends.

So far, Rusty is loving the chicken. We’ll add one new protein each week, so eventually he’ll have more variety in his diet. If you’re thinking about changing your pet’s diet, here’s a link to a Yahoo group that is very helpful: Raw-Lite. They answer questions and are very supportive, AND non-judgemental about whatever feeding style you might choose. I am certainly very happy to have found them.