Spinach Maria

INGREDIENTS:

splash of olive oil

2 1/2 pounds total flat-leaf spinach, trimmed and cleaned

2 tablespoons butter

½ medium onion, minced

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 ounces bar cream cheese, cut into pieces

½ cup milk

pinch ground Nutmeg

pinch of Cayenne Pepper

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded

coarse salt and ground pepper

RECIPE:

Blanch spinach in a fry pan using salt and a drop of Olive Oil til soft and set Aside. Drain in a colander; rinse with cold water until cool. Squeeze spinach to remove as much liquid as possible. Then, coarsely chop spinach, then set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add onions and cook until soft. Next add garlic and stir for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes.

Add cream cheese and milk; cook, stirring, until cream cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in spinach. Simmer over medium heat until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the Nutmeg & Cayenne Pepper and stir. Next, add in the Parmesan, stir in well and remove from heat. Enjoy!!

I also made a Twiced Baked Potato Casserol and a Pecans and Orange Sweet Potato Casserole.