Spotlight on: Spinach
- Leafy, green vegetables, like spinach, provide more nutrients than any other food.
- Researchers have found at least 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that have been known to act as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents, combating specific cancers like ovarian and prostate cancer.
- The vitamin K in spinach provides 200% of the daily value in fresh spinach and nearly 1000% of the daily value in boiled spinach.
Recipe: Spinach Lasagna
2 egg whites 26 oz of prepared spaghetti sauce 24 oz of ricotta cheese 10 oz of Lasagna noodles, cooked 10 oz of frozen spinach, thawed and chopped, then squeezed dry 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, grated, reserve ½ cup ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated and divided, reserve 2 tablespoons ½ teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of black pepper Olive oil
Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare lasagna noodles as directed on the package. Combine parmesan cheese, ricotta cheeses with the egg whites, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Pour ¼ cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the baking dish and spread it out using a spatula. Cover the sauce with a single layer of lasagna noodles. Spread about half the cheese mixture over the noodles, and then cover with about half of the spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese. Finish this layer with half of the remaining spaghetti sauce. Add a second layer of noodles, topping with the remaining cheese mixture, spinach, and mozzarella cheese. Top with the final layer of noodles and remaining spaghetti sauce. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and set for 10-12 minutes.
Recipe: Wilted Spinach Salad
10 to 12 ounces spinach, washed and torn into pieces
¼ cup minced red onion
5 to 6 radishes, thinly sliced
2 hard-cooked eggs, 1 chopped and 1 sliced
2 to 4 slices bacon
1 to 1 ½ tablespoons bacon drippings
1 ½ tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon water
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Place prepared spinach in a large bowl. Add onions and radishes. Refrigerate, tightly covered. Fry or microwave bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel and set aside. In a small jar or measuring cup combine drippings with sugar, vinegar, water, salt and pepper. Refrigerate all ingredients until just before serving. When ready to serve, microwave the dressing on high for 30-45 seconds. Toss the chopped egg with the greens then pour the hot dressing over greens mixture; toss again lightly. Top with sliced egg and crumbled bacon.