By Kelly Bogard

Do you have plans for a Valentine’s dinner? Did you make the reservations? What? You got busy and forgot? No way! It’s that time again. Time to stress out over how to plan a memorable moment on Cupid’s special day. I think I’ve told you this before, but we don’t usually go out for this holiday. Not because we don’t want to go out for a nice meal or make memorable moments, but because it is my wonderful mom-in-law’s birthday, too. See, the stress of making sure the reservations are set and that the restaurant still doesn’t have an hour wait isn’t really the way to celebrate and make memories.

Someone wise told me a very long time ago that the best way to make a moment is through food. People can feel the love you put into preparing a meal. This is one of my favorite parts of cooking for my family. They can feel the love. So on this Valentine’s day I decided to make something for my sweetheart. This is one of his favorites.

For Creamed Spinach, you will need…creamed spinach
18 oz. baby spinach, washed
1 shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. salted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp. coarse black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

This one seemed especially fitting since we introduced you to a Texas spinach farmer this week. And it just so happens that Mr. Ritchie farms my favorite kind of spinach–baby leaf.

First things, first. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large sauce pan over medium high heat. Add the shallot and garlic. Saute until they begin to caramelize.
creamed spinach

Now that the other veggies are cooked, add in the spinach to cook down. You will have to add the spinach a little at a time in order to get it all in the pan. Turn down the heat to medium and watch the spinach wilt. Be sure to stir occasionally to make sure it all wilts down evenly.
creamed spinach

In a small measuring cup, combine the heavy cream and the seasonings. This will make it easier to get the seasonings mixed in quickly.
creamed spinach

Pour the seasoned cream into the pan with the spinach and continue to heat over medium heat. Stir constantly to keep the cream from scalding. Once everything is well combined and heated through, it is ready to serve. If you desire a thicker sauce, cook a little longer to reduce.
creamed spinach

This is a super easy and fresh way to make your sweetheart’s day. So next time you go past the spinach in the grocery store, think of your favorite person and what yummy food you can make with your new green friend. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

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Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Summary: Rich, creamy, and full of iron

Ingredients

creamed spinach

  • 18 oz. baby spinach, washed
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp. salted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp. coarse black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Melt butter in large pan.
  • Add shallot and garlic to caramelize.
  • Once done through, add the spinach by the handful. Turn heat down to medium.
  • Stir occasionally to make sure all ingredients are combined and to help the spinach wilt.
  • It will take several minutes to get all of the spinach in the pan.
  • In a separate container, mix together cream and all spices.
  • Pour the seasoned cream over the wilted spinach.
  • Stir continuously to keep the cream from scalding.
  • Simmer to thicken and serve warm.

Cooking time (duration): 0 hour(s), 30 minutes

Number of servings (yield): 4-6

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