Spinach Almond Crostini Recipes

SPINACH AND PARMESAN CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, stir together spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and pepper.
• Spoon 2 tablespoons cheese mixture on each bread slice. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated and nuts are toasted. Serve warm.

SPINACH-ALMOND RICE

Steps:

• Bring 3 cups salted water to a simmer; add 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, cover and cook over low heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let cool. Toss with 4 cups baby spinach, 1/2 cup each chopped marinated artichoke hearts and toasted slivered almonds, 1 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, the juice of 2 lemons and 1/3 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

BACON-WRAPPED SPINACH DIP CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the bacon with the brown sugar in a medium bowl until evenly coated. Arrange the bacon on a baking sheet and bake until light golden around the edges but still very soft, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe the baking sheet clean, then spray with cooking spray.
• Stir together the spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.
• Spoon 1 tablespoon of the spinach mixture onto each slice of bread and wrap it with a piece of bacon so that the ends are tucked under the bread (it should look a bit like a belt). Arrange the crostini on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the bacon is dark golden, about 15 minutes. These are best served warm.

SPINACI (SPINACH) ALLA PADELLA (FRYING PAN)

Steps:

• Bring 1 gallon of water to boil in a large pot with 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt. Add the spinach, pushing it down into the water with a skimmer, and immediately remove it to a bowl of ice water.
• Drain the spinach once cooled (don't leave it in for too long) and squeeze out the water. Divide spinach into 4 sections and compress each into a ball (each ball will be about
• 1 cup and they can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to a day).
• Cut each ball in half and then in half again to chop up the spinach.
• Place 1/4 cup of the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic to the pan and shake the pan often, for about 1 minute or until the garlic is lightly browned. Add the spinach and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. It will seem dry. Remove the spinach to a bowl, sprinkle with a little olive oil and garnish with lemon wedges.
• Variations:
• Try adding some chopped anchovy with the garlic.
• For creamed spinach: substitute butter for half of the oil and add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream as you cook the spinach.