Spinach Beef Spaghetti Pie Food

SPINACH, MUSHROOM AND MONTEREY JACK CHEESE QUESADILLAS

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are dry, about 4 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a small bowl.
• To the same skillet, add the oil. Add the shallots and cook over medium heat until they brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach with whatever water clings to the leaves and season with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and stir, incorporating any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; cover and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
• Lay a tortilla on a work surface and top evenly with 1/2 cup of the Monterey Jack. Add one-quarter of the mushrooms, one-quarter of the spinach mixture and a few dashes of hot sauce, depending on how spicy you like it. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the fillings. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
• Melt 1/2 tablespoon of the remaining butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook a quesadilla, flipping once, until the cheese is melted and it is golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with the remaining butter and quesadillas.
• Cut into triangles and serve topped with sour cream, chopped scallions, guacamole and salsa.

SPINACH BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl combine water, honey, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Set aside to foam. Then whisk in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sift 1 cup of flour and mix well. Set aside for 1 hour, or until it has a sponge-like texture.
• Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and saute onions until tender, about 5 minutes. Then add the garlic, cumin, and remaining salt to the onions. Stir in the spinach, in small batches, and cook until the spinach is soft. Pour on the lemon juice. Drain spinach in a colander and reserve the cooking liquid. In a large bowl, place 2 cups of the remaining flour, making a well in the center of the flour. Pour the spongy mixture into the well. Knead for 10 minutes, adding enough of the cooking liquid to make it pliable yet firm. Transfer to a oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 2 hours. Then add the feta cheese to the dough and knead for 1 minute. Add the spinach mixture, sprinkle with the remaining flour, and mix together quickly. The dough is supposed to be moist and loose, don't knead again. Form into a oblong loaf and place the dough on a well oiled baking sheet. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let proof for 1 hour. Bake the bread for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and cook for another 30 minutes.

THE BEST SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Steps:

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 1-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Put the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and garlic in a large bowl. Mix vigorously until combined and smooth. (If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.) Add the spinach to the cream cheese mixture, breaking it up as you add it. Add the artichokes, mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, mixing to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
• Bake until the dip begins to bubble, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and continue to cook, keeping an eye on it so it doesn't burn, until the top is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve warm with crackers, chips or toasted bread.

GARLIC SAUTEED SPINACH

Steps:

• Rinse the spinach well in cold water to make sure it's very clean. Spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves.
• In a very large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, but not until it's browned. Add all the spinach, the salt, and pepper to the pot, toss it with the garlic and oil, cover the pot, and cook it for 2 minutes. Uncover the pot, turn the heat on high, and cook the spinach for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until all the spinach is wilted. Using a slotted spoon, lift the spinach to a serving bowl and top with the butter, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of sea or kosher salt. Serve hot.