Spaghetti Squash Bake

Spaghetti squash is a favorite in our household. Tonight I decided to get creative and try something a little different.

This recipe is paleo friendly (I'll get into this paleo business in a future post) and pretty dang easy. It also makes a ton of food, which means leftovers for lunch. Score!

Disclaimer: I'm not really one for following directions when cooking. I don't look at it as a science and a lot of times I don't measure things in tablespoons, teaspoons, cups etc. So I apologize in advance if you are someone who likes exact measurements. I encourage you to go with the flow!

You've been warned...this is not your typical recipe with exact measurement and directions!

You'll need:
~1 medium to large spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded -don't know how? Google it!
~1 pound ground turkey, cooked
~About 1 tbsp of ghee -or fat of your choice
~4 BIG, I mean BIG, handfuls of spinach-it may seem like a lot but spinach always seems to cook down to nothing
~4 cloves of garlic minced
~1 28 oz can San Marzano diced tomatoes
~Flavor God garlic lover's seasoning - or any sort of garlic seasoning, but Flavor God is best!
~Dried oregano
~Sea salt and black pepper

Optional goodies:
~Shredded parmasan cheese
~Red pepper flakes

Now what?
Heat the ole oven to 375* F

Place the cooked and shredded spaghetti squash in a large bowl with the cooked ground turkey. Set aside.
In a pan over medium heat, heat up about a tablespoon of ghee (or fat of your choice), add in the garlic and saute for about two minutes. Add in the spinach and a splash or two of water. Stir until the spinach has wilted. If you feel like it's cooked down to hardly anything (which always seems to be the case) feel free to add more spinach! Once it's cooked toss into the bowl with the squash and turkey. Add in the can of tomatoes. Season to taste with the garlic lover's seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and the red pepper flakes if you choose to use them. L (my husband) can't handle anything spicy, so I added red pepper flakes to my own serving after I dished it up. Now stir it all up and make sure you mix it well. Spray a pan with coconut oil spray, or whatever you choose. I actually had to use two pans because it was so much food. I used one 9x9 inch glass pan and a heart shaped pan. Pour the delicious squash mixture into the pan (or pans) and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes. If you choose to use cheese, sprinkle it on top after the 20 minutes and stick it back in until cheese is melted. Let it cool a bit before serving...or dig right in if your starving like I was. Just don't burn yourself! Enjoy!

 Simple and delicious!

One of my very favorite ways to stay active is hiking. I can't get enough. I love the challenge. I love to getting away from the city and taking it all in. I love to challenge my body and challenge my lungs. I love the fresh air!

This weekend we hiked Iron Mountain in Poway, CA. It was six miles out and back. It took us about two and a half hours.

It was an overcast day and there was a breeze. At first it was quite cold, but as the hike went on the breeze was welcome! Much better than too much sun and heat. The first mile is always the most difficult for me. I cough quite a bit, my lungs get tight and close up, my heart gets going, and I have to take a few breaks to catch my breath. After that, it gets easier. My lungs open up, the coughing lessens, my heart isn't racing too hard. At some point I get a 'hikers high' and I never want to stop!

There were amazing views the whole way up!

 And at the end we were rewarded with even more amazing views as far as the eye can see. It's always such an amazing getting to the top. It's a time I like to reflect on what I just accomplished. It's a time to take it all in and realize just how big and beautiful this world is. I feel most at peace at times like this.

And this guy. This guy is my favorite hiking partner. My husband and best friend. He is my biggest cheerleader and supporter. Always by my side and always encouraging me. 

This was our view on the way back to the car. Poway mountain. Where were just at the top about an hour previously. Beautiful site. This is definitely one of my favorite hikes and one I'll being doing again. It will be a great hike to incorporate into my training for the Spartan Sprint this fall! 

Stay tuned for more adventures!