Creamed Spinach

Ingredients

• 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach (or 1 lb fresh)
• 2 tbs butter
• 1 small shallot, finely diced
• 1½ tbs all-purpose flour
• 1 C half-and-half
• 3 tbs parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp salt
• Dijon mustard, to taste
• Pinch ground black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne

Directions

1. Cook the spinach following the directions on the package. Drain and squeeze all the liquid from the spinach when it's done.
2. If using fresh, trim the stems and stir fry over high heat with mushroom soy sauce and white pepper. Remove to a colander over a bowl and drain.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the shallots until they are limp and transparent.
4. Add the flour to the melted butter and stir until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add the cream and heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens. If using fresh, add the sauce drained from the spinach to thin the sauce as needed. Add the half-and-half if the mixture gets too thick and gradually add the Parmesan. Stir often so that sauce does not burn.
6. Add the spinach, salt, pepper, Dijon, nutmeg, and cayenne. Cook 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Serve hot.