Spaghetti Squash Chronicles

We have received an abundance of spaghetti squash with our CSA so far this fall. It is not so much that we dislike it, but it is more that it gets a bit boring as a side dish on its own and I don’t particularly like it as a substitute for real spaghetti. So, for once in my life, I got a little creative and adventuresome when it comes to cooking on the fly! No recipes… no research…. Just me throwing stuff together that we had in the house that I thought might taste good together. I will also say that this type of casserole gets rid of that weird crunchy texture that spaghetti squash always seems to have. In the spirit of cooking on the fly, you will notice that my recipes are a little “loosey goosey” with regards to amounts. If I can wing it, you can too! Just estimate based on proportions and flavors that you like. Honestly, it is hard to make a mistake with these.

I made the first one as a contribution for a small gathering of friends. My goal was to try and get rid of half a baked squash and not have to go to store for any ingredients. After it turned out so well, I got inspired and came up with idea for the second one. Honestly, I liked the Southwest version best, but I would make the Mediterranean one again, too. If you do try either, you will have to let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Southwest Spaghetti Squash

• Whole or Half a roasted squash, shredded into a bowl
• 1 can of beans (I used pintos)
• Sauteed onion and peppers
• Sauteed chili pepper
• Your favorite Southwest or Mexican seasonings (to taste) plus salt and pepper
• Yogurt, cream, or sour cream ( or a mix). Just enough to give it some creaminess and bind it
• Top with shredded cheese (I used cheddar)

Cover and bake at 350 for at least a half hour to 45 minutes.

Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash (going for the flavors of a spankopita)

• Half or whole roasted spaghetti squash, shredded into bowl
• Caramelized onions
• Spinach (I used arugula to get rid of it)
• 1 can cannellini beans
• Some pine nuts
• Splash of lemon juice
• Herbs de Provence, salt and pepper
• Yogurt and touch of heavy cream, just enough to bind it and give it a creamy texture
• Feta chunks

Mix it all together in a bowl. I lightly folded the feta in last. Bake for about 45 minutes until bubbly. We sprinkled some Parmesan on the top before serving.

My Clothing Survival Guide for the Mountains

Funny how your surroundings will change your needs and your tastes. Living in a recreation obsessed mountain town with a completely different climate than I have ever lived in has caused some major changes and incurred some purchases along the way…

First, the ruling style scene seems to be a little bit scruffy,with a dash of sporty, a smidge of funky, and totally functional. You are more apt to see someone in a fleecy, rolled jeans (so your pants don’t get caught in your bike chain) and Chacos than a dress and heels. And slowly but surely, I seem to be slipping into that flow. Although I am still pretty religious about foundation, powder and mascara, most of the rest of my makeup has gone by the way side. I will be getting ready to run out and I will pause to think if I need to change my clothes or freshen up and/or add makeup. And then I will go, “Nah, no one is going to notice anyways!” I mean, I LOVE lip gloss, and I can’t remember the last time I put it on! My criteria for getting dressed in the morning are dependent on whether or not I plan to ride my bike and whether or not it is bikeable (oh, and whether anyone in the central office will see me). My heels, well really most of my shoes, have been collecting dust since August. Again, my criteria are can I walk long distance in them on the hills or bike in them? I spend time salivating over stuff on REI and Sierra Trading Post websites, and I can’t remember the last time I was on the Banana Republic site. Oh wait, I do know that. I bought some khakis on sale for Robert right after we moved here. Good grief what is happening to me!?!

Now that doesn’t mean that I won’t still try and dress cute, and there are definitely some cute little shops where I have drooled over some ADORABLE stuff, but function has definite been my primary focus. I also found this awesome blog by this woman that lives HERE in Flagstaff that I want to be my new best friend. Seriously, I might have to stalk her. I mean, I really need to meet someone who is dedicated to biking, but is still focused on looking stylish, and always on the quest for the perfect pair of ballet flats. We must be kindred spirits, right? Here is her blog, check it out! http://www.sheridesabike.com/

Now the weather is getting cooler, so I am definitely having to engage in some new strategies as well as invest in some new stuff. I haven’t had to deal with weather this cold in 6 years, so it is huge change for me. Luckily, I have always been a big fan of scarves, hats, and gloves, so I have plenty of those. I have also rediscovered an old Abercrombie fleecy and a cream colored quilted Eddie Bauer jacket that are currently in heavy rotation during this awkward weather transition of mild sunny days and frigid nights. I have always had a jacket fetish, so I have plenty of outerwear options. I have also found that knee socks and tights under anything are life savers.

So here is what I have gotten so far:

• An awesome Marmot water and windproof jacket. The color is called raven and it is the really nice deep reddish chocolaty brown.
• Water and windproof pants. I think these will be my saving grace for keeping on biking and they will fit over my real pants!
• Hiking boots that are waterproof
• Multiple pairs of toasty warm knee socks and hiking socks
• A new pair of black tights
• Long underwear. This is a necessity along with tights. And I really need an undershirt to wick away sweat on longer bike rides so that I am not a damp mess when I get to my destination. There is no less pleasant feeling. In silk with a cute pointelle pattern.
• A sporty little zip up hoodie from Target for an in between outer layer.

My Wish List

• A good pair of gloves for biking and what not since I totally thrashed my tan leather Gap ones with bike oil. Side note, I have learned that a key lock for your bike is much more practical than a combo when it is 23 degrees out. Cold metal, wind, and bare skin are a rotten combo.
• These Toms. Doesn’t corduroy scream winter?
• A really skinny knit hat that fits well under my helmet
• This amazingly light and soft Patagonia jacket that I cannot justify. But it is the pretty pearly silvery color with a PURPLE lining. How much more Cori could you get?
• I wouldn’t mind this fleecy either. Amazingly soft and cozy! In the French Roast so that I would look like a cute and cuddly teddy bear.
• For monsoon season, I want to splurge on a pair of Hunter Wellingtons.
• Since I just spent a ton on hiking boots, I am not sure that I can justify another pair of winter boots. However, I suspect I may start looking for a pair of waterproof leather boots. I will be honest, I have also started contemplating the warmth and waterproof benefits of Uggs. God, I can’t believe I actually just wrote that…
• A good pair of rugged water proof sandals like Chacos or Tevas

So apparently, I am still clothing and shopping obsessed. I just have new interests!