1. A waste-reducer and health-booster
This winter, Carolinas Healthcare System Stanly in Albemarle, N.C., is creating a healthier (and more sustainable) build-your-own item with its customizable spaghetti squash bowl. Folks are jumping on “the stem-to-stalk bandwagon,” says Executive chef Jennifer Leamons. “I will be offering a half of a small spaghetti squash with assorted meats, grains and vegetables for our teammates and guests to focus on the plant being the main focus and the proteins and starch being an afterthought to enhance the flavor of the spaghetti squash.”
The menu item is topped with a variety of sauces including zesty marinara, chimichurri, Thai peanut sauce and mushroom veloute. Leamons says the hospital will offer the dish at a lower price as a combo meal to entice customers to try it. The dish will come with a flavored bottled water and a small bag of dried fruit trail mix for a snack.