Dijon Creamed Spinach Food

CLASSIC CREAMED SPINACH

Steps:

• Blanch the spinach. Bring 1 gallon water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Place the spinach in the boiling water. After 45 seconds (exactly), remove the spinach leaves with a slotted spoon, spider or tongs and drain in a colander. Let cool completely.
• Use your hands to press the spinach against the sides of the colander. When most of the liquid has been released, squeeze handfuls of the spinach to make sure all of the excess water has been removed. Set aside.
• In a wide, high-sided saute pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. With a wooden spoon, stir the flour into the melted butter to create a roux that will look like wet sand. Cook the roux for 3 minutes, stirring continuously to make sure it doesn't burn and it becomes a "blond" color. Add the milk to the roux, whisking vigorously to make sure that the roux completely dissolves into the milk without lumping.
• Turn down the heat to maintain a low simmer. You're making a bechamel sauce, which is the base for the creamed spinach. Next, whisk in the cream and return the mixture to a simmer. Cook the bechamel until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Season the sauce with the salt, pepper and cayenne.
• Preheat a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let heat for about 1 minute. Add the onions and season with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook an additional minute or two.
• Add the cooked onion and garlic along with the drained spinach to the bechamel, folding to make sure it's completely coated with sauce. Season with the nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes, then taste the spinach. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and the nutmeg, and/or more cayenne if desired.

BABY SPINACH SALAD WITH CREAMY DIJON DRESSING

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the first 8 ingredients (through Worcestershire sauce).
• Refrigerate dressing until ready to serve. (The dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead.).
• When you're ready to serve the salad, place the spinach in a large salad bowl. Top with the bell pepper, onion, and avocado pieces.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss together gently to combine.

DIJON CREAMED SPINACH

Steps:

• In large saucepan on medium-high heat, melt butter; add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is crisp-tender. Add wine; simmer 5 minute
• Stir in flour until well blended. Gradually add milk, stirring until well blended. Cook until mixture thickens and begins to boil, stirring constantly. Allow to boil for 1 minute.
• Add mustard, pepper, and salt. Stir in spinach; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Serve.