Instructions

1. Wash the outside of a spaghetti squash under running water, then pierce it all over with a fork in several places. This will allow steam to escape when microwaving.

2. Place the spaghetti squash in a microwave-safe dish large enough to hold it and microwave for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the rind is very soft. You should easily be able to pierce through the rind with a fork. Softening the naturally hard rind of a spaghetti squash makes it much easier to slice in half.

3. Allow the spaghetti squash to cool enough to handle, then split it in half, using a sharp chef's knife. The knife should easily go through the now-softened rind, if it has been cooked enough. Watch for hot steam inside of the squash as you cut.

4. Scoop out the white seeds with a spoon, then take a fork and scrap the walls of the spaghetti squash, which will loosen into spaghetti-like strands. Place the strands in a bowl and continue scraping for more strands until you reach the skin.

5. Place the spaghetti squash in a colander to strain out as much water as possible, gently pressing on the squash with the back of a spoon. Fluff it up with a fork and serve warm with your favorite pasta sauce, or toss with olive oil and garlic.