Monday, December 29, 2014

How to Cook a Spaghetti Squash

Have you ever heard of a spaghetti squash? I've heard of it before, but never really knew what it was...much less why it was called spaghetti squash. If you know me, then you know I try to limit my carbs as much as possible. Finding this gem of a squash has been amazing.

What is Spaghetti Squash?

I wasn't really sure what this type of squash was until recently. The reason that it is called spaghetti squash is because the pulp shreds and looks like angel hair pasta. It is a great alternative for noodles in a red sauce meal. 

How to Cook Squash


This squash has a thick skin. It has to be cooked in the oven. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Remove as much of the strings as possible that are attached to the seeds. 

Lay both halves of the squash, pulp side down into a glass baking dish or broiler pan. Fill the pan with 2 inches of water. Place in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. 

All squash to cool a bit. Use a fork and scrape out the center. It will last for up to a week in the refrigerator after being cooked. 

Friday, December 26, 2014

Beef Stew Recipe

One of the things I love making in the winter is beef stew. Whenever I get a chance, this is a recipe I put together. There are a few basic ingredients that make up a stew. Check out what I put in my recipe.


Ingredients For Beef Stew Recipe

1 pound stew meat
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of flour
2 cups of peas
1 cup of carrots
2 cups green beans
2 cups diced potatoes
3 beef bullion cubes
1 tablespoon oregano
2 tablespoons McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
1 bay leaf

How to Make Beef Stew


First you need to cut your stew meat into bite sized pieces. Coat with the flour and steak seasoning. 

Saute' onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Then add the flour coated stew meat to brown. Once the meat has browned, but still a bit pink inside, cover with water. Stir the mixture until blended. 

Add all the vegetables and spices to the pot. Cover the vegetables with water completely. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium heat for about 1 or 2. Depending on how thick you like your stew, you can either cook it longer, or add in more flour. 

If you plan to add flour, mix the flour up with water and remove any clumps that form. Pour into the soup pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat back to a medium low until soup is as thick as you would like. 

Should you like to make this recipe in a crock pot it will not get as thick. In fact, it will probably be pretty runny.