Recipe Name Spinach Maria Submitted by Mike Herrin Recipe Description Light version of Calhouns Spinach Maria Quantity 0 Quantity Unit Prep Time (minutes) 30 Cook Time (minutes) 15 Ready In (minutes) 45

Ingredients Amount Measure Ingredient 3 packages (10 oz) frozen spinach 3 packages (10 oz) Spinach, frozen, chopped, thawed and well drained 2 1/4 cups skim milk 0.5 teaspoons mustard, dry 0.75 teaspoons red pepper flakes 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder 0.25 medium (2-1/2" dia) Yellow onion, chopped 1/2 tablespoon butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 Usda default (100 gm - 4 oz) Velveeta cheese 2% 4 ounces low fat shredded cheddar cheese, extra-sharp 2 ounces monterey jack cheese - shredded 3/4 cup, shredded monterey jack cheese - shredded 2 1/4 cups skim milk 3 packages (10 oz) Spinach, frozen, chopped, thawed and well drained 2 1/2 tablespoons butter melted Steps Sequence Step 1 Thaw spinach. 2 Squeeze as much excess water as possible from spinach 3 Heat milk and spices in a 4 qt. saucepan on medium heat to just below a boil. 4 Reduce and simmer. 6 Add onion to saucepan 7 Combine the 2 1/2 TBSP melted butter with the flour in a small saucepan. 8 Mix until completely blended. 9 Cook on low heat 2-3 minutes. 10 Add to milk in saucepan and mix. 11 Continue to cook until sauce thickens 12 Add cheese to saucepan 13 Continue to mix until all the cheese is completely melted and blended into the sauce 15 Remove from heat 16 Allow to cool for 15 minutes 17 Add drained spinach to cheese sauce and mix till completely blended 18 Spoon into a casserole coated with cooking spray and top with grated Monterey jack cheese 19 Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly 20 This can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer with tortilla chips