Tasty Creamed Spinach

This recipe was on the same page as the Southern Living meatloaf and it is one of my absolute favorite side-dishes. It isn't low fat or low calorie, but it is SO good. You can season it to your taste (we prefer it spicy)!

SPINACH MADELEINE
Syndy Johnson, Fairfield Grocery & Market
Makes about 8 servings

PREP: 15 MIN., COOK: 10 MIN.

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach

¼ cup butter

½ teaspoon minced fresh garlic

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 (8-ounce) loaf pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed*

1 teaspoon hot sauce*

½ teaspoon Creole seasoning

COOK spinach according to package directions; drain and set aside.

MELT butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Whisk in flour until smooth, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly.

ADD cheese, hot sauce, and Creole seasoning; whisk until cheese is melted. Stir in spinach, and cook until thoroughly heated. Serve immediately.

*Our changes: 2 tsp hot sauce (we prefer the "Tabasco Jalapeño" green hot sauce) and last time I used Velveeta's Pepper Jack Cheese and it gave it an awesome punch.

Here is my brother with his plate of meatloaf, squash & onions and the awesome spinach.