Bean and Spinach Au Gratin

I forgot to take a photo of the completed meal.
This is all that was left afterward the three of us
enjoyed it!

I see that recipes get the most views on this blog! So I'll either start labeling everything as a recipe (kidding) or just try to post a few more. But before I do, I want to remind you that a recipe does not healthy eating make. The ingredients and foods you purchase to make meals and put in recipes is what truly matters. So many times, you can take a recipe and go two ways with it, so choose ingredients carefully.

Here's a recipe that is dear to us and also delicious. We were in St Louis for 11 days after our son's birth waiting for the adoption courts to say we could travel back to Denver together as a family. During that time, he was unable to stay with us so he stayed with a "cradle care" family. We stayed with this particular family most hours each day, and we'd go home to sleep while our son stayed in their care at night. We ate lunch with them everyday, and this is one of the delicious meals that was shared with us.

Bean and Spinach Au Gratin
Makes 6 servings and goes well with bread, to dip

• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 medium size onion
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 15 oz cans small white beans, drained
• 1 14 1/2oz can reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 16oz can whole tomatoes with juice
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp ground red pepper
• 1 10 oz pkg fresh spinach
• 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded

In a 10 inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add onion and saute 5 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Add beans, broth, tomatoes with juice, and all spices. Cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Add spinach, 1 cup at a time to mixture. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until spinach wilts. Heat broiler. Cover top of spinach and beans mixture with mozzarella. Broil mixture 4 inches from heat source until cheese melts and begins to brown.  Serve immediately.

Action Item: Email me one of your favorite recipes at foodsthatfuelus@yahoo.com, and I'll share it with everyone!

For further reading: Check out the link on the right side of the page for Recipes I Want to Try. There might be something there that interests you too. I will continually add to this list; I'm just getting started.