spaghetti squash

what's the best/easiest/least messy/least accident prone way to cook it (i know there are a few)?

Cut it in half either across or lengthwise (doesn't matter which).  Scoop out the seeds and place cut side down on an oiled baking sheet.  Bake at 350 F for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until very tender.  Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a while, until you can handle it without burning yourself.

Scrape out the strands with the tines of a fork.

I find that the dry heat method is cleaner to handle than cooking it in boiling water or the microwave.  It doesn't get drippy and baking it adds flavor.

you can microwave it as well.  I like the taste better in the oven, but the micro does it quicker...... I put a small dash of butter spread on it with a little bit of parm cheese..................yum!

i think i'm going to try baking, but do i bake it with the skin against the cookie sheet, or the flesh?

thanks guys!

anyone...?

I actually bake mine whole.  I poke it several times before baking and bake at 350 for 1 hour.  Once cooled, I cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and shred the squash. 

The reason I do it this way is that I've heard the seeds can be kind of difficult to scrape out raw.  They come out easily after being baked. 

You can also do it in the crock-pot. Pierce the skin in several places, stick the whole thing in the crock pot, add a cup or two of water and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Voila!

Let it cool a bit before cutting it and removing the seeds.