Creamed Spinach With Bacon, Mushrooms and Asiago

This one is a winner in my book. I know; I have never been a fan of cooked spinach either, but the process of creaming spinach is really more like lightly sautéing until the fresh leaves are completely wilted. Not only is it pretty, preparation is a snap as in being on the table in less than 20 minutes. When you come home exhausted and want a green veggie, creaming spinach is the way to go in my book. If you are a little concerned about cholesterol, you can substitute olive oil for the bacon and use low fat milk while omitting the cheese. It is still yummy and gorgeous. Do not use frozen or canned spinach.
Now, let's look at the nutritional analysis. Yes, the calorie measure and the fat count are certainly higher than I would like. But, the good things--such as Vitamins A & K are really good, especially K. By tweaking the ingredient list just a bit, the numbers can be much better if those issues are a health problem for you.

Here is my recipe:

4 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and drained on paper towels

1/4 cup thinly sliced mushrooms

1 10-ounce bag fresh spinach, washed, hard stems removed

1/4 cup heavy (whipping) cream

1 cup Asiago cheese, grated

Here is how I prepare this dish:
1. Place bacon in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and crispy. Place on paper town to drain; set aside.

2. Add thinly sliced mushrooms to bacon drippings. Sauté until mushrooms begin to brown, about 3 minutes. Pour entire bag of fresh, pre-washed spinach, on top of mushrooms. Using self-locking tongs, turn the spinach continuously until it begins to wilt throughout the pan, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add cream and continue to turn the spinach until it has completely wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes. Quickly stir in cheese. Remove from heat. Do not overcook.

3. To serve, arrange equal portions on four plates. Crumble bacon and sprinkle over creamed spinach.

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Calories Per Serving:  309.19

Calories From Fat (82%) 252.65

% Daily Value

Total Fat 28.35g 44%

Saturated Fat 13.51g 68%

Cholesterol 51.06 mg 17%

Sodium 669.29 mg 28%

Potassium 172.47 mg 5%

Total Carbohydrates 2.04 g <1 o:p="">

Fiber 0.22 g <1 o:p="">

Sugar 0.15 g

Protein 12.1 g 24%

Copper 0.09 mg 5%

Energy 1293.68

Glucose 0.1 g

Iron 0.71 mg 4%

Lactose 0 g

Lysine 0.39 g

Magnesium 15.5 mg 4%

Manganese 0.2 mg 10%

Net Carbohydrates 1.82 g

Phosphorus 88.92 mg 9%

Riboflavin 0.08 mg 5%

Selenium 8.3 mcg 12%

Thiamin 0.12 mg 8%

Vitamin A 930.88 IU 19%

Vitamin B12 0.26 mcg 4%

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg 5%

Vitamin C 2.28 mg 4%

Vitamin D 24.36 IU 6%

Vitamin E 0.25 mg 3%

Vitamin K 34.23mcg 43%

Zinc 0.6 mg 4

Author: Dr. Jacquelyn P. Horne

Copyright: 2013

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