Spaghetti squash is a fine alternative to simple white pasta. It tastes delicious and gives you a healthy portion of vegetable.

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Baked Spaghetti Squash

Slice a spaghetti squash in half. Remove all the seeds. and season insides with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place each squash half face down on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Place in oven and bake for 45 minutes until middle of squash is tender and cooked.

Remove from oven and set on stove; cover to keep warm while marinara sauce is prepared.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes (my Italian friend recommends Pastene)

heat 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet

saute 1/2 medium minced onion a 4 minced garlic cloves until slightly tender

add can of whole tomatoes and 1/2 can of water; slowly break down the tomatoes with a wooden spoon.

Season with 1 tsp.dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

Add 2 large sprigs fresh basil to enhance the flavor.

Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes.