QUICK CREAMED SPINACH

Looking to get out of the 'same-old-veggies' rut? Well here's the solution! My quick creamed spinach allows you to disguise a healthy vegetable with some tasty, low calorie cheesy-ness. Sauteed garlic and onions gives the dish a mellow sweetness that the nutmeg parallels. This dish pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, or steak so there's always an opportunity to make it part of your dinner tonight!

INGREDIENTS:
10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
2 tbs. onion, small diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 wedges Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss or 3 tbs. cream cheese
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbs. parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
-in a small skillet, warm 2 tsp. olive oil over medium-low heat
-add garlic and onions, cook for 10 minutes
-add spinach, broth, cheeses, and nutmeg
-stir until cheese is melted and covers all of the spinach
-add salt and pepper to taste
-serve as a side dish and enjoy!

serves 2-4 as a side dish

SHOUT OUTS:
This recipe was quickly put together when I was getting tired of our typical dinner veggie side dish. It's since been a hit many times!

TIPS and ADAPTATIONS:
-You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. HOWEVER, it takes a whole lot of fresh spinach to cook down into what you can get in a frozen package. So take the simple shortcut, and buy frozen!
-Still not convinced you like spinach? Try adding just one pieces of bacon to the dish. Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook it with the garlic and onions. Delish!
-Don't leave out the nutmeg! It adds delicious flavor to anything cooked with dark greens and creamy cheeses!
-Turn this side dish into an easy one-dish meal: mix with some pasta and add in some cooked chicken and roasted veggies such as zucchini, tomatoes, or carrots.
-Add in some toasted nuts like sliced almonds or pinenuts.
-Make it spicy and add in 1/2 tsp. or more of red pepper flakes.