Rec: Creamed Spinach

5 tablespoons butter OR margarine - divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 dash ground nutmeg
1 cup half and half cream
4 oz. cream cheese - low-fat okay
1 sm. onion - minced
3 cloves garlic - minced
(2) 10 oz. pkgs. frozen chopped spinach - thawed
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese




In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, melt
3 Tbls. butter; stir in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg;
slowly whisk in cream; stir in cream cheese.-Increase
heat to medium; whisk mixture constantly until thick
and smooth; remove from heat and set aside.-In a
skillet over medium-high heat, cook onions and garlic
in remaining 2 Tbls. butter until transparent; stir
spinach and water into pan.-Reduce heat to medium-low;
cover; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes.
Stir spinach mixture into creamy mixture; return to
medium heat; heat, stirring often, until warmed
throughout.-Remove from heat; fold in Parmesan.


Serves 6 to 8
Refrigerate remainder
Can be reheated in microwave