CREAMED SPINACH

 I got this recipe about 10 years ago from a local magazine.

2 pkgs (10-oz each) frozen chopped spinach
1/4 cup butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (Note: I always use white whole-wheat flour)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain spinach in a colander over a bowl pressing to release any remaining moisture; reserve 1/2 cup of the liquid.

Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour; cook, stirring constantly, until smooth. Add the onion and reserved spinach liquid; mix together well. Cook mixture 5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Add the first 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses to the mixture in the saucepan; cook until cheeses melt, stirring constantly. Stir in the half-and-half and fold in the spinach; cook just until heated through, stirring often.

Spoon spinach into serving bowl and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon before serving.

Note: File Photo