Bakes Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

I love Tastespotting.  It's a great site for when you are looking for new cooking ideas.  Let's say you have a spaghetti squash but don't know what to make with it, you can search through tons of photos/recipes to find just what you are looking for. It's also a great way to find new food blogs and sites to start reading. I spotted this recipe and this recipe and that's how I came to make my version of the recipe. Each serving has a points plus value of 4!  And you leave the table feeling nicely full!

Baked Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
(makes 2 large portions)
1 spaghetti squash, baked or microwaved
3 tablespoons pesto (Vegans use this recipe and omit the parmesan or use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, separated in half
(I didn't add tomatoes, but feel free to add them in if you'd like, no added points there!)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pierce squash with a sharp knife or split in half and discard the seeds/pulp, then place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 60-70 minutes. Take out squash but keep oven on.  Use a fork to separate spaghetti strands and place them in a large bowl.  Combine spaghetti with pesto, salt and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese and mix well.  Divide squash mixture  into two large ramekins or small lasagna dishes and sprinkle with the rest of the parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until golden brown crust forms.  Enjoy!

Doctored Up French Fries

I had a bag of store bought french fries in the freezer and thought that instead of just baking them plain I'd doctor them up a little.  Not only will it give them more flavor, it will also make them fancy enough to serve dinner guests.  Perhaps the kids will even be adventurous and try something new.  Last night I made garlic and parsley flavored fries.  I'm thinking if you are a cheese lover, after they are baked you could even sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top. Here's the recipe I came up with!

Doctored Up French Fries
Serves 4-5 people

1 bag store bought french fries (whatever variety you prefer)
1 cup parsley, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
non-stick spray

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place parsley, garlic, salt, and olive oil in a mini food processor and process until finely chopped.  If you don't have a food processor, combine ingredients in a small bowl, but be sure to mince garlic and chop the parsley very finely.  Pour parsley mixture over the french fries in a large bowl and use your clean clean hands to distribute it evenly over the fries.  Place fries in a single layer on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.  If you want to add parmesan cheese, do so now.  Serve with ketchup or a spicy mayo and enjoy!!

Artichoke Parmesan Spread

Not sure if you've noticed, but I've been on a baking kick lately.  This post is not a dessert, it's actually a very healthy and full of flavor recipe!  It can be a spread for a bruschetta or a sandwich, a dip for veggies or chips, or even mixed with pasta!  It even has some protein because of the parmesan, but if you are a vegan feel free to sub in some silken tofu or just leave it out completely!

Artichoke Parmesan Spread

(makes enough to spread on at least 2 french baguettes)

1 box/bag of frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

2 cloves garlic (feel free to add more if you like)

1 cup parsley, roughly chopped

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tablespoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese (If you want to omit the cheese, replace with 1 cup silken tofu)

2 cups balsamic vinegar (for glaze on top)

Place all ingredients, except the vinegar, in a food processor.  Blend until mixture is combined and smooth.  Spread the mixture on slices of toasted baguette. (To do that, place slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 400 degrees for about 7 minutes.) 

To make the balsamic glaze, pour vinegar into a small non-stick pot over medium-high heat.  Let simmer until the vinegar gets thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.  This process takes about 30-40 minutes. Drizzle glaze over the bruschetta and enjoy!!  The glaze should keep in an air-tight container for a few weeks in the fridge. Use leftover glaze for salads, chicken, shrimp, sandwiches, pasta, veggies, etc.