We all know that spinach is full of iron and is great for us. Many children will eat spinach in a nice crispy salad, but not necessarily by itself. This is a great casserole dish for children that won't normally eat spinach. Don't tell them there is spinach in it, and as long as they can't see the spinach, they will eat it. And with the "cheese", it is a definite crowd pleaser. I love the mixture of spinach and mushroom together. It makes for such a wholesome flavor. When baking, steaming, or frying spinach, I have always said it is the seasoning that matters. And this dish, has a secret ingredient that adds a flavor children always love (that of cinnamon and nutmeg). Men love it too. So if you have children who don’t want to eat their spinach, please try this delicious recipe and prepare to be impressed.

I fix this with hearty bread or corn meal.

Ingredients:

•1 Pound fresh spinach

•¼ Pound olive oil margarine

•1 Large onion diced

•2 Cloves garlic minced

•1 Cup fresh mushroom, sliced

•1 Cup fresh tomato, diced

•½ Cup sunflower seeds

•¼ Pound Kite Hill Costanoa Cheese (Mozzarella), shredded

•¼ Pound Kite Hill White Alder cheese (ripe and soft), shredded

•1 Teaspoon Paprika

•1/8 Teaspoon Nutmeg

•1/8 Teaspoon Cinnamon

•¼ Teaspoon Pepper

•Salt to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Wash and cut spinach into strips

2. In large 4 quart saucepan heat olive oil margarine until bubbly

3. Add onions, garlic, and mushroom, sauté for 3 minutes

4. Add spinach to this mixture

5. Sprinkle with salt

6. Cover and steam for 5 minutes

7. Grease bottom of casserole dish 12x9-inch

8. Sprinkle half the cheese over bottom of casserole dish

9. Add spinach mixture on top of cheese

10. Add tomatoes to top of spinach

11. Sprinkle with paprika, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon

12. Top with remaining cheese

13. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over top of cheese

14. Bake in 360 degree oven for 20 minutes or until cheese bubbles