Spinach Maria

The birthday boy is having a nice day. There's been a little bit of schooling, some basking in the sunshine, a couple of naps, peanut butter sandwiches with the boys, a little more napping....it's a dog's life, indeed! I have yet to get him to wear the birthday hat, however.

Last night's dinner was a lovely roast chicken. I learned about spatchcocking chickens from the marvelous Pam at Sidewalk Shoes last year, and have used the technique several times. Last night, since my chicken "carcass" wasn't fully thawed, I cut it along the backbone, opened the chicken up and salted the inside. Carrots, chives and onions tucked under the bird, which was opened flat, and tucked under the skin, provided great flavor. But my favorite part of the meal was the Spinach Maria.

A very long time ago, Calhoun's in West Knoxville (which may not still be there, since they ran a new highway's exit ramp basically through the parking lot) served wonderful ribs and pulled pork, with this Spinach Maria as a side dish. This is my feeble attempt to recreate it. Since there are never any leftovers, it must be somewhere near accurate.

SPINACH MARIA

1-1/2 pounds fresh or frozen spinach
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 tbsp parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

In a saucepan, cook the spinach with the salt and water over low heat until the water is evaporated and the spinach is barely cooked, about 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and nutmeg, and let the butter melt. Sprinkle the parmesan over the spinach, pour the cream over it, stir well, heat for a minute, and serve at once.
This is not the least caloric way to serve a vegetable, but it's really good, and sometimes that's the point, right?

Tomorrow, Thor will share birthday pictures with you. Hope you're all having a sunny Wednesday!