Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/56055
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 – Daily News 5A County Fare & fresh Spaghetti squash, Italian style By Mario Batali McClatchy-Tribune A couple of weeks ago, my son Leo broke his arm on the basket- ball court. We stayed close to home for a few days, so we needed the sort of food that would warm us inside. This recipe did the trick. Because spaghetti squash keeps for about two months, I didn't have to go farther than my pantry for my veg- etables. The Italian word "zucca" is used to describe gourds and squash, as well as pumpkins. "Fiori di zucca" is what we call zucchini flowers. Spaghetti squash is referred to as "spaghetti di zucca," or vegetable spaghetti. Though spaghetti squash is available on the Italian peninsula, it isn't a traditional Italian ingredient, per se. When I started cook- ing in New York almost two decades ago, I was doing a new kind of Ital- ian. It was reported as a "deluxe" version of the cooking found in the Italian countryside. To me, it was a logical next step. I used the tech- niques and preparations I had learned during my time in Italy and adapt- ed them in new ways for American ingredients. There's no traditional Italian preparation of spaghetti squash, but you can, no doubt, approach it with an Ital- ian-ness. You can bake it with olive oil, salt and pepper and add Italian parsley or sage for addi- tional flavor, as I do in this preparation. Alter- natively, you can eat it just as you would spaghetti, with tomato sauce, for a vegetarian, gluten-free pasta. At this time of year, you have to scour the grocery aisles to find what's freshest. Like acorn squash, spaghetti squash is available year- round, but in February and March, the bleakest times in a New York market, you have to take advantage. During the winter, this is a tasty seasonal option that works just as well as a main course as it does as taste Preheat the oven to 375 F. Using a sharp knife, cut each squash in half lengthwise. Place them, cut side down, in a large baking dish. Add enough water to reach 1/2 inch up the sides of the dish, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the squash is easily pierced with a paring knife. Turn the squash over, cover with foil again, and bake for another 15 minutes, until the squash is very tender. Remove from the oven, uncover, and allow to cool slightly. Using a spoon, remove and dis- card the seeds. Using a fork, gently pull the strands of squash away from the peel, and place the squash strands in a mixing bowl. a side dish. Spaghetti squash is a daunting vegetable, but this recipe makes it remark- ably easy. It's great as a side dish or a main course, to be paired with a meat or a pasta. And because it's gluten-free, it's a nice addition to a party spread. Until next February, J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS! SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH SOFT HERBS AND ROBIOLA Serves 8 to 10 as a side dish. 2 small spaghetti squash (about 2 1/4 pounds each) 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 6 ounces fresh soft Robiola, cut into {-inch cubes (you may substi- tute cream cheese) 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions (white and about 2 inch- es of the greens) 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to Cheryl Retirement Party Saturday, February 25th 10am - 3pm Come join us for refreshments and fun Gold Exchange 423 Walnut St., Red Bluff 528-8000 HOUSE OF FLOYD An Evening Of Pink Floyd www.HouseOfFloyd.com 10-101 oz. Saturday - February 25th, 2012 - 7:30pm with "Mojo Child" (Doors tribute) State Theatre, 333 Oak Street, Red Bluff, CA $20/advance $23/door Advance ticket locations Wink Fashion & Salon and The Copy Center in Red Bluff This advertisement co-sponsored by the Daily News /2 Bonham In a 14-inch skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat until it is foaming. Then add the Robiola and stir to melt. Add the spaghetti squash, herbs, and salt and pepper, and toss thoroughly but gently to heat and combine. Serve immediately or at room temperature. Mario Batali is the owner of Babbo, Lupa, Otto and other renowned restaurants. His latest book is "Molto Batali," published by Ecco. 8049 Hwy 99E, Los Molinos, CA We Accept EBT "Your Family Supermarket" BLACK CANYON ANGUS BEEF WE FEATURE Center Cut Bone-In Pork Loin Chops We appreciate your business - and we show it! HOURS: 7AM - 9 PM DAILY SPECIALLY CUT MEATS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE Prices good Feb. 22-28, 2012 New York Steaks Boneless Beef Meat Specials Fresh Foster Farms Picnic Pack Chicken Lean Ground Beef (80/20) Fresh 384-1563 WE ACCEPT FOOD STAMPS NO CARDS REQUIRED FOR EVERYDAY LOW PRICING OR SALE ITEMS Ole Carolina Bacon 16 oz. tasty Ask a Cook: Brown sugar without the 'brick' By Kathleen Purvis McClatchy Newspapers Q: How do I keep leftover brown sugar from turning into a brick? I have to use a hammer to break off pieces. A: Here's the trick that always work for me: Double-bag it. After opening the package, put the open bag into a resealable freezer bag and press it closed. Freezer bags are heavier and more airtight than regular resealable bags. If you do have hardened brown sugar, you don't have to hammer it. If you know you'll need the softened sugar in 12 to 24 hours, put a slice of apple in the bag and close the bag up. If you need the sugar right away, put the sugar in the microwave and heat it on low to medium-low power for 1 minute at a time until it softens. Kathleen Purvis answers questions at www.charlotteobserver.com/food. $249 lb. Sweet Honey Tangerines $599 Sweet Strawberries 1 lb clamshells lb. $129 lb. D'Anjou or Bose Pears $249 Produce Specials Fresh Green, Red Leaf or Romaine Lettuce lb. 2 5/$ Broccoli Crowns or Large Navel Oranges $100 lb. 2 $400 for Nabisco Saltine Crackers 75¢ Cracker Jack Caramel Popcorn lb. 75¢ Grocery Specials Seasoning Mixes Western Family Gravy or Western Family Crisp Rice Cereal Each $100 lb. 9-161/2 oz.2 500 3 ct $ for Lay's Potato Chips 1oz boxes 3 400 $ for Western Family 8 oz Cheeses 1.375 oz 2 100 $ 3/4- for Sour Cream or Cottage Cheese Crystal 12 oz. $249 San Luis Sourdough Sliced Oval 2 600 $ for $199 Pepsi Soft Drinks 20 pks 12 oz cans $599 + crv 6 pk. 12 oz. Beer $649 Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/nuwaymarket Pints $229 Sierra Nevada 32 oz $279 + crv