Well hello there! It has been raining quite a bit here in Vegas. The strange thing about working in a hotel is that you really don’t have concept of day or time. So when I got in my car yesterday, I was a bit surprised
to see rain drops falling on my windshield. I will say that I welcome the rain with open arms. Aside from it having the lazy effect on you. You know, when it rains it’s the urge you have to want to snuggle up in comfy pjs, blankets, and bake treats. I made brownies yesterday since I was suffering from the lazy effect. That’s the excuse I’m going with.
The only other motivation after getting off work yesterday was cooking up a spaghetti squash.
This is my first spaghetti squash of the season and I couldn’t wait to enjoy it! I went back and forth
between savory and sweet, but after the boy suggested brown sugar I decided to see what sort of side I can make of it. Not that I don’t love brown sugar, but one scoop of this will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With cinnamon, buttery pecans, and a hint of brown sugar, this would make the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.
Brown Sugar Pecan Spaghetti Squash (serves 6-8)
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Directions:
To cook up the spaghetti squash in the microwave, start by poking about 10 holes in it with a fork (so it doesn’t explode). Place in microwave for about 10-12 minutes.
When squash is done, let cool and slice.
Shred with a fork.
In other pan, toast pecans on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Add butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to pan. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Dish out squash and top with mixture. Enjoy!
Since this is slightly sweet, it is just perfect for a side dish.
I think this will be on my menu for Thanksgiving. Swanky boyfriend and I would like to host it this year. I think it’d be a blast.
Other Swanky Scoop:
Tonight I decided to use a Living Social deal for a spray tan. I have gotten a couple in the past without much success. I either looked super dark and super streaky. So, why try again you might ask? You see, I have my 10 year (10 year!!) high school reunion this Saturday. I figured why not give it one more go and hopefully be slightly less pale. 
Ok I look a bit dorky, but what do you think??
It’s hard to tell but I am really pleased with the results. It is subtle, which is good for this white girl.
I am so happy that it’s Friday tomorrow! Yay! I’ll be sure to tell you all about my reunion.
Would you or did you go to your 10 year high school reunion? What is your favorite way to cook up spaghetti squash?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Spaghetti squash has been on my “to-make” list for too long this fall! I love it and just haven’t made it yet. The tan looks great! I’m actually coming to Vegas next weekend for a wedding that I’m in and all the bridesmaids are getting airbrush tans – I’ve been afraid I’ll look orange but you’ve boosted my confidence!
I just made spaghetti squash two nights ago! Went with the savory and traditional; marinara, crumbled tempeh and spinach. I have never made it the sweet version but you are absolutely right, this would make the PERFECT thanksgiving side dish. Very nice!! You do not look dorky
I love spray tans, I have always had positive results! Have fun at your reunion!!!
I just made spaghetti squash last night and topped with roasted kabocha, kale, tomatoes. Not sure hubby was as happy with it as I was LOL – more for me for leftovers though
I think that spray tan looks perfect. Very natural looking. I went to my 10 year but only because I somehow randomly ended up on the organizing committee.
That sounds amazing!! I’ll come over for dinner next time!
You look great, girl! You are rocking that spray tan! I hope your 10 year reunion is fun!
I did, in fact, go to my 10 year… but no spray tan back in those days
However, my 20 year is coming up this year – yes, I’m THAT old – and I will def go the spray tan route. I’m pale year-round 
I’m pale year round too!
I have learned to embrace it, but there is nothing better than having a little glow!
I think the spray tan looks great! I should think about getting one…my summer “glow” is GONE!!
I love the idea of this spaghetti squash…it’s exactly how I was raised on acorn squash
Enjoy the 10 year reunion. Mine is coming up, too and I can’t decide if I want to go or not. It seems like whenever I’m back in town, I see a lot of people I graduated with…and, I don’t like it. Haha. But I may go!
Yeah it’s still looking good! I don’t look too dark. That’s the worst!
The spray tan looks great! My summer color is fading (I don’t tan, but I do spend a lot of time at the beach) and it makes me sad.
You look smokin’, Kristen! You’re totally going to rock at your 10 year reunion! My 10 year reunion was a couple of months ago, which I had to miss. Maybe the 15 year reunion!
I can definitely see this dish as a side at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Love the addition of cinnamon!
Thanks Jessie!
I was on the fence about going, but didn’t want to regret it. Hoping it’s a blast!
Your spray tan is a total success! As a fellow white-girl, I can relate
Mmm! I love cinnamon and brown sugar-baked butternut squash, but I’ve never tried going the sweet route with spaghetti squash. It looks delicious! My favorite way to prep spaghetti squash is super simple: fresh garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper and Parmesan.
I definitely plan on going to my high school reunion! I’ve only kept up with my close high school friends, so I think it’s going to be a hoot to see how people have changed. I suspect that many of the letterman jocks won’t be jock material anymore. ;-p
I hope you have a blast reconnecting with old friends this weekend! Can’t wait to hear about it! xoxo <3
p.s. Almost forgot to say that the tan looks really good! I had an airbrush once and it turned me orange. I've been scared to go back ever since!
It truly grieves me that spaghetti squash isn’t available in Australia (or at least, I’ve never found it – I am sure it must be *somewhere* in the whole country!). This recipe looks great!
I can’t get these pics to load!
I want to see the spray tan! I’ve been so curious about it!
Hi Corrie Anne! I am sorry! I don’t know why that post went crazy and they won’t load. I have been talking to Dreamhost.