Happy “election results” day—and congratulations, President Obama. I’m disappointed with some of the statewide results in Alabama (namely that we voted down an amendment to remove racist language from our Constitution and re-elected the infamous Roy Moore as Chief Justice), but it is what it is. At least we renewed the Forever Wild Land Trust, which has preserved irreplaceable natural landscape for public recreation and study.

I’m also disappointed that Californians defeated Prop 37, which would’ve required the labeling of foods containing GMO ingredients. Truthfully, I think GMO food labeling should be addressed on a national level, but a law in California could’ve propelled the national discussion.

Anyway, enough politics!

For day #7, I’m thankful for diversity. I’m lucky that I have friends from all different walks of life: friends from across the U.S. and a few from other countries. I love that the U.S. is a melting pot of cultures, and I relish in experiencing new places, foods, and celebrations whenever the opportunity arises.

It’s also time for another What I Ate Wednesday. Rather than re-cap my eats for a single day (they’ve been uninspiring for the most part), I’m just highlighting a few foods from the week.

What I Ate Too Much Of:

Candy Corn. Ugh. I just can’t resist candy corn’s chewy, sugary charm. I didn’t purchase (or eat) any during October, but I couldn’t pass up the 25% discount bag that caught my eye at Target this Saturday. Mark doesn’t eat it, so it’s hiding out in my candy jar at work. Maybe I’ll share.

What I Ate For the First Time Ever:

Spaghetti squash! I love butternut and acorn—and of course, pumpkin—but I’ve always avoided this squash. My curiosity got the best of me, and, as it turns out, the preparation is incredibly simple. I cut mine in half, covered with olive oil and a little salt and pepper, and roasted for about 40 minutes. Our strands still had a little “bite” to them (i.e. not too mushy), and were topped with blue cheese, pecans, dried cherries, and a simple vinaigrette of satsuma wine vinegar and olive oil.

We used a recipe from Cookin Canuck. The leftovers heated up pretty well for lunch today, too. I think spaghetti squash will find its way onto our dinner table a few more times this fall and winter. Next time, I’d like to try a nice pesto or even a simple tomato-based sauce.

I love trying new foods. Some other things I’ve yet to try: roasting beets (I’ve eaten them in restaurants—and top my salads with canned—but I’ve never attempted them on my own) and an Indian curry (I’ve eaten plenty but never made one of my own).

What are some foods you’ve discovered recently?