We’ve got these friends, Steve and Amanda, who’ve been great friends to us for years, but especially this year as we’ve been living in their basement apartment, waiting out the end of the pandemic. Oh! You actually know Steve- he’s the artist who did Ruffles and Tum Tums, as well as the balloon twister who’s made Mallory-- not one, but-- two balloon dresses. We’ve been living with Steve and Amanda these last 3 months, drinking their coffee in the morning, going on morning walks, eating their fresh strawberries from the garden. As we’ve been living our lives together, Mallory has taken to teaching their kids yoga and Amanda has talked us into doing these god-awful workouts.
Amanda is the kind of host that not only makes you feel welcome, but makes you feel like you're family. And not in a sappy restaurant slogan sort of way. As we've been digesting our family history and trauma with the new record, one of the ways we've come to understand family is the way we eat together (see this previous blog). And Amanda is one who is not satisfied to throw a few raw vegetables on a plate to accommodate her vegan-gluten-free-overstaying house guests. She wants it to be good and she wants everyone to feel fully welcome at her table.
Below, you'll find a recipe that we've had on a number of occasions with the Carter family. We remember it well since the first time we ate it with them years ago as one of the first times we came over to eat at a friend's house and didn't feel like a burden with our less-than-common ways of eating.
Below, you'll find Amanda's amazing recipe for Spaghetti Squash Bowls. It’s easy to make, delicious, and satisfies a number of different diets-- the perfect dish for when your traveling folky friends come in off the road. Plus, the build-your-own element makes it easy for to have something for everyone.
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This is maybe my all time favorite recipe to serve when having guests. It’s so easy to prep, it’s interactive, and it can serve a variety of nutrition needs. Saying recipe is maybe a reach as it’s kind of....do what you want. --Amanda Carter
Spaghetti Squash Bowls
You’ll need--
Spaghetti squash,
enough for a half for each person you are serving. Cut them, gut them, then drizzle with olive oil, shake a bit of salt and pepper.
Cook cut side down at 350 for about 45 minutes or until tender.
While those are cooking prep your toppings. You can’t cook them, or just cut things up. Everything is going to get cooked again so whatever makes your heart happy.
Then set everything up for your friends to top their squash!
Once everyone has topped to their hearts content throw them back in the oven for about 20 minutes. Then dig in!
