Mommy Munchies: Easy and Fun Veggie for Kids - Spaghetti Squash

I was never a big lover of squash but one of my friends at work brought in some cooked spaghetti squash one day and I was hooked. Our son is getting picker these days and this is one of his favorites which makes me happy because he is getting a vegetable.

• Ok, take a spaghetti squash and wash it off.
  
• Poke a bunch of holes in it with a fork. It takes some muscle but is important so it doesn't explode in your oven!
  
• Put the squash directly on the rack in your oven at 375C for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  
• When it is done it will be a little crisp and softer than it was when you put it into the oven. Oh yeah, it will be REALLY HOT! Don't burn yourself.
  
• Take the squash out of the oven using good oven mitts and place it onto a plate or cookie sheet.
  
• Cut the squash in half lengthwise using a regular table knife. It doesn't have to be too sharp. Watch out for the hot steam coming from the inside!!! It kind of pops when you cut it.
  
• Flip the squash open and grab a spaghetti spoon (any spoon or fork will do but this one works great).
  
• Use the spaghetti spoon to scoop out the center seeds and squash that is a bit darker. Throw this away.
  
• Then use the same spoon to scoop out the cooked squash into a casserole dish (or 2 if you have a big squash and want to pre-make leftovers for another night).
  
• Put some butter, salt and pepper and cheese of your choice ( I like Mozzarella) on top.
  
• Place the casserole dish in the oven for 3-5 minutes at 350C until the cheese is melted to your liking. 

Enjoy!


(This was not a sponsored post. Only one Mommy was slightly injured during the creation of this recipe but no medical care was necessary. As usual these photos were taken by me and are copyrighted by me but are in need of improvement. Don't worry I am not planning on writing a cookbook. If I do I will hire a food stylist and photographer.)

Mommy Munchies: Quick Cake Topping Instead of Frosting

This is a very quick and easy tip for topping a cake with something sweet and pretty other than frosting. Have you guessed it yet? Probably so from the photo but remember, you must let the cake cool ALL THE WAY before you put the powdered sugar on top or it will melt or soak into the cake. It will still be yummy so if you just can't wait, go for it. But, don't say I didn't warn you. I used a flour sifter to evenly dust the powdered sugar over the cake but a steady hand is fine too. Another variation is to block out designs by cutting out hearts or stars or a name in paper, laying it across the cake or cupcakes and then applying the powdered sugar. Remove the paper carefully, keeping it level so as not to spill the sugar back onto the design. You will be left with a pretty design or name on the cake in the "negative space" (aka "plain cake" for any non-Artsy folks, my husband is an artist so I accidentally pick up these terms and try to sound cool using them once in awhile). 


(This was not a sponsored post. The picture was taken by me and is copyright by me. Pay no attention to the crumbs on the counter.)

Mommy Tip: storing wrapping paper

This is a really handy, easy, space-saving tip for storing wrapping paper. All you do is put as many nails into the wall as you have rolls of wrapping paper, just space them apart depending on the size of the roll. Then get some binder clips in the office supply section of your local store (they come in fun colors, not just black). Clip the clip to one side of the roll of paper, and hang the loop over the nail. The wrapping looks very organized, you can find it when you want it, it says rolled (finally!) and it takes up no floor space. This way you can take advantage of unused closet wall space. I have mine in the hall junk closet, four on each side. Keep in mind for really big rolls you may need bigger clips. 

(This was not a sponsored post. Photos were taken by me and are copyright by me, not that they are that great.)