Catherine's Recipe Box

Note: This was so good. No need to change anything! Ingredients 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and tough stems removed* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots 1 teaspoon minced garlic 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup heavy cream *Substitute 2 packages of frozen, plain spinach if you want Directions Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Drain in a fine mesh strainer, pressing with a large spoon to release as much water as possible. Finely chop and set aside. (If you are using frozen spinach, just cook to package directions and drain like above.) 1) Melt the butter in medium saute pan over medium-high heat. 2) Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. 3) Add the spinach and cook, stirring, just until the liquid is released. 4) Add the cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and cook until the cream is reduced

Note: I halved this recipe from the original over at Stop and Smell the Chocolates (which she got from a cookbook, but credit where credit is due!). When I'm done, it fits in a small oat container and then I just make more when it gets emptied. Ingredients 3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried apples 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer (use vanilla flavored for an extra kick!) 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoons salt Directions Combine ingredients in large bowl. Store in airtight container. For breakfast: Place 1/2 cup oatmeal mix into bowl, add 1/2 cup water, and microwave for 1 minute on high. Let stand for 1 minutes to thicken; stir again. source: http://stopnsmellthechocolates.blogspot.com/2009/03/works-for-me-wednesday-instant-oatmeal.html

Note: The key to this recipe is to simmer as long as you have time for to let the flavors meld together. Surprisingly, the oregano and the cumin are what really add to the "kick" of this, so if you want more or less spice, those are the ingredients to adjust. If you want to adjust to your own tastes, add 1/2 tsp at a time, stir, let simmer for 5 minutes and taste. Repeat as necessary. You will need your largest pot! This serves about 8 hungry people. Serve over rice & top with cheese & sour cream (or however you like). Ingredients - 3 15oz cans of beans or equivalent (Suggestions: Kidney, Black, Pinto, Navy) - 1 lb of ground beef, turkey, or loose sausage, browned - 1 15oz can of diced tomatoes - 1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes - 2 cloves garlic, chopped (I use the kind in a jar) - 1 tbsp parsley - 2 tsp oregano or "Italian seasonings blend" - 2 tsp paprika - 2 tsp chili powder - 1 tsp cumin - 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional - or 1 tsp onion powder) - 1