Swinging Side Dishes- Creamed Spinach

Due to the fact that snow sticks around the prairies so long we have been lucky enough to have some interesting travel opportunities.  Thanks to the Boy's baseball program, during spring break from school, the boys jump on a bus and travel South to greener pastures, quite literally!!  *Play ball!!*

This pic was taken in Muskogee, Oklahoma

In the past two years we have been to Jackson, Tennessee and Tulsa Oklahoma.  Of course the week or so that we spend South is generally filled with baseball practices, games, and tournaments.  The team gets tired but they get to play on grass and outdoors well before everyone else at home.  They also get to play teams that pitch faster and hit harder.  It is a great opportunity!!  The boys work their buts off all winter in order to go on this trip and they are getting excited for this year!

On first base in Owasso, Oklahoma

One of the yummy things about these trips South is getting to try all of the wonderful new foods.  If it weren't for these trips I never would have tried tasty yummy things such as okra (fried and pickled), properly fried catfish, properly fried chicken, grits, real biscuits, Frito pie, deep fried pickles, and of course the Boy's favourite: creamed spinach! 

Tonight the Boy confessed to a hankering for some creamed spinach...this is one of my favourites too...
I do have a quick and easy recipe for creamed spinach that is perfect for this type of craving.  I originally used the recipe from Martha Stewart but over time I have changed it somewhat.  This is what I made tonight:

Easy Peasy Creamed Spinach
Printable recipe

• 2 10oz pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed (hey, it is winter here, cut me some slack)
• 1 small onion, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed (or grated)
• 6 0z block cream cheese
• pinch (or grating) nutmeg
• 1 tbsp oil, butter, or coconut oil

Heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil.

I like to use a small grater to get the garlic into the party!

Saute the onions and garlic until soft.

Squeeze the excess liquid from the thawed spinach and add it to the pan.

Grate or add a pinch of nutmeg to the pan and stir.

When the spinach is heated through, add the cream cheese.

Let the cream cheese get all melty and mix it in with the spinach.

Eat!

Until next time, stay warm and eat well!!

(And play ball!!)