Easy Steamed Spinach

This is a perfect as a side dish or anytime.

2 - 3 c. fresh spinach

1 - 2 c. water

1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

1 T. butter

Rinse spinach through a colander and snip ends. 

Run cold water for a few seconds and put water in a clean pot.

Turn on stove to medium high heat, lower heat to medium and put pot with the water on stove.

Add spinach, salt, pepper to pot. 

Place lid on pot and steam spinach for 8 minutes.

Remove lid from pot, turn off stove.  Let spinach set for a few minutes. 

Drain excess water from pan if needed.

Add butter to spinach and stir. 

Serves 4 - 6.

Spinach Salad

This is my version of a spinach salad. I used baby spinach which has a milder flavor than regular spinach. I also added Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts and fresh strawberries. Enjoy!

4 c baby spinach
2 oz Gorgonzola cheese
2 c sliced strawberries
1 c chopped walnuts

In colander rinse spinach well. Drain well in colander. I use a salad spinner to remove excess liquid (if using pre-washed spinach omit this step). Place dry spinach in salad bowl. Set aside.

Rinse strawberries and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into slices and set aside.

Cut cheese into small cubes. Set aside.

In plastic baggie, place shelled walnuts. Use a rolling pin to go over walnuts twice (if using chopped walnuts, omit step).

In salad bowl combine walnuts, strawberries, cheese with spinach and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Toss with your favorite dressing.

Makes 4 servings.