This is a Guest Post from Cassie Celestain at www.trueagape.com. Cassie writes a weekly blog on marriage, with date ideas, ways to connect with your spouse on a daily basis, quizzes for your and your spouse to help you understand each other better, and newlywed recipes such as the one included here. This is an easy side dish for the autumn and winter when spaghetti squash is in season and is vegetarian and vegan approved. It could also be dressed up as a main dish like pasta if you add vegetables and/or meat such as ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage.

From Cassie:
I will have to tell you I was a bit skeptical when I first started cooking this side dish! I am so glad I was told it would be a bit crunchy still because I would have assumed it was still raw. However, I really enjoyed the spaghetti squash. I ate it for three days straight and plan to make it again soon.
Tell us in the comment section below: What spices would you use in your spaghetti squash? 

Spaghetti Squash

• 1 small spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/8 cup finely minced parsley
• 1/8 cup finely minced basil
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1.Cut spaghetti squash in half. I cut one end off to have a flat side for balance.
2.With a large spoon or fork, scoop out the inside seed and stringy matter. It is done much like a pumpkin but it is a bit easier.
3.Put pieces of spaghetti squash in a microwave safe bowl face down. Add ½ cup water. Cover the spaghetti squash with a microwave safe cover. Microwave for 15-20 minutes until squash pulls away from peel.
4.During the last 5 minutes that the squash is cooking in the microwave heat oil of medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add garlic, parsley and basil to sauté.
5.Once squash is softened, use fork to pull squash apart into stringy bits. (Be aware it is hot! I had to use oven mitts.)
6.Add squash strings to skillet. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes. The squash should be a bit crunchy.
7.Divide the squash between two plates. Taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper as desired. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve!