I am not really so much of a meat eater. It’s not that I don’t like it, per say, it’s just that if you give me a choice between a butternut squash and a pound of beef, I know which one will win every time. And when you have a limited budget, life is full of these choices and ultimatums.
I am also not really so much of a singer. Tiffany always used to joke that the only time I sing on key is when someone else is singing with me. Which always made me very suspicious when she used to join in whenever I was rocking out to Third Eye Blind or Foo Fighters in our room. So really, I try not to sing within earshot of other people very often. It’s in everyone’s best interest. Trust me.

And yet there are times when I find myself making exceptions to these rules. Karaoke, for instance, is one. Which explains how I found myself singing Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing and rapping Nelly’s Ride Wit Me in front of a bar full of people on Thursday night. And all things aside, I am a little white girl from Queens. There is no reason why I should ever be allowed to rap in front of anyone.

But today, ladies and gentlemen, is your lucky day. You not only get a pork recipe (my meat of choice, aside from salmon) but also a song. Just be glad that sound doesn’t travel over the blogosphere.

Here goes.
On top of spaghetti (squash).
All covered with cheese.
I ate this here pork chop
The best of all meats

It tasted like maple
Both savory and sweet
A combo of flavors
You really can’t beat

So if you like pork chops
And spaghetti squash
Please make this for dinner
It won’t be a wash

Maple-Balsamic Pork Chops
Serves 4, adapted from Elly Says Opa

4 boneless, center cut pork chops
4 tsp herbes de provence
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup
4 tsp olive oil

1. Season the pork chops on both sides with the herbes de provence, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat a large, nonstick skillet. Add the olive oil. When hot, add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes/side. Remove from heat.

3. Add the vinegar to the pan and deglaze, scraping up any pork bits that were left behind. Simmer until reduced by half, then add in the maple syrup and the pork chops. Cook until the pork chops are cooked and have absorbed some of the glaze.

Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash
Serves 4, adapted from Rachael Ray

1 spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
olive oil
salt
pepper
parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds and pulpy insides. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until it can be pierced easily with a fork. When it is cool enough to touch, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands.

2. Preheat the broiler. Top the squash with a dash of olive oil, some pepper, and a lot of black pepper and parmesan cheese. The pepper and parmesan are what really makes this good, so don’t skimp!

3. Broil until cheese has slightly browned.

Since this is my first adventure with spaghetti squash, I am submitting this to Weekend Herb Blogging, which is being hosted this week by Susan of The Well-Seasoned Cook.

You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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25 Responses to On Top of Spaghetti (Squash)…

  1. Palidor says:

    Oh Joanne, you’re so cute! Being able to have squash AND meat is the ideal choice.

  2. Mari says:

    How do you feel about taking a trip to Queens so you could cook for me =)

  3. Kerstin says:

    Your pork chops look perfect!

    And what fun song choices for karaoke! I can be convinced to do it in a big group too after a beer or too 🙂

  4. Megan says:

    A song, a squash, and a chop – really, that combination can’t be beat.

    I’m making spaghetti squash to go with tonight’s turkey dinner – yes, we are having Thanksgiving in October.

    What, doesn’t everyone?

  5. ShyGuy says:

    That is an amazing looking porkchop. how many more minutes did you cook the porkchops in the syrup?

  6. Your song is so cute! It sounds good from where I’m at. And the pork chop is looking good from here too. Love the maple flavor. Your first time for spaghetti squash? Did you just love it?!

  7. Kim says:

    I wish I could’ve seen that karaoke performance. I bet it was very entertaining:D Both of these recipes sound terrific, but those pork chops just look perfectly cooked and have a wonderful color to them!!

  8. Amy says:

    LOL. You’re awesome.

  9. Kalyn says:

    I just wish I could hear the song!

  10. Debinhawaii says:

    You are too funny! Love the pork shop and squash and the song–in that order! 😉

  11. Donna-FFW says:

    Love your dish!
    Love your song, you little white girl from Queens, you.

  12. Elra says:

    Lovely. From all of squash out there, I must say that spaghetti squash is my favorite. I made both sweet and savory dishes from it.

  13. Jen says:

    that looks awesome and I am making pork chops tonight too. hmmmm darn I do not have 4 tsp herbes de provence or maple syrup…maybe I will try again another day. by the way, what kind of pork chop is that? cause that suker is HUGE?!

  14. Justin says:

    hey, just so you know, i posted a reply on my blog to your question about sf places… but of course you can just scan my blog for the past few months for sporadic entries about my trip, like about various taco and tortas that I tried.

  15. Pam says:

    Song, squash, and pork, what more could a girl want?

  16. Sophie says:

    I am not sure you realize how hilarious I find your song. I am so sad you didn’t sing it louder so I could hear it! -Sophie

  17. Susan says:

    Yummy squash and funny post.

    Thanks for your WHB recipe, Joanne!

  18. comfycook says:

    I have found a soulmate other than my husband who can sing.

    I am not even allowed to sing in the shower, not that I don’t. I blast them out there. I am guessing that I can’t carry a tune since everyone tells me that unless this is the big conspiracy bigger than Afghanistan and Iraq. Nah, I probably have a lousy voice.

  19. Wonderful, now I’m going to have that song stuck in my head! 🙂

  20. gaga says:

    Cute post. I’ve never had spaghetti squash. Is it really a good substitute for spaghetti? I feel like I would miss the carbs 😛

  21. I love Journey! I was in high school in the 80’s and Steve Perry was BIG!

    What a great looking meal! I have recently rediscovered spaghetti squash. It’s pretty good stuff!

    I hope all is well with you. Have a terrific week!

  22. Kevin says:

    That sounds like a simple and yet tasty way to enjoy some spaghetti squash.

  23. Ty'sMommy says:

    Oh FABULOUS! I love spaghetti squash and haven’t had a chance to get any yet this year. I usually sautee mine and then toss it with pesto and mozzarella….this one looks great! I might just have to add spaghetti squash to my grocery list and try it this week!

  24. Great post…sure sounds like you can sing to me.

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