Indian Spiced Creamed Spinach and variation

Serving Size  : 4

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2           packages  frozen chopped spinach
  8             ounces  cream cheese -- softened
     1/2         stick  butter
  1         tablespoon  minced garlic
  1           teaspoon  curry paste
  1           teaspoon  garam masala

Thaw spinach and drain thoroughly, pressing out all excess liquid.

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.  When butter is bubbly and
starting to brown, add garlic and curry paste.  Cook until curry paste is
dissolved and garlic is golden.

Add spinach and stir to blend.  Add cream cheese and garam masala and mix
together.  Continue to cook until hot and bubbly.  Serve hot.

                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 364 Calories; 33g Fat (76.4% calories
from fat); 11g Protein; 11g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 93mg
Cholesterol; 491mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 2
Vegetable; 6 Fat.

Serving Ideas : This makes a great hot appetizer dip, too.

NOTES : If you don't like spicy food, other seasoning mixes can be
substituted for the curry paste and garam masala, just don't add too much
salt.

Shredded mozzarella, sliced almonds, or fried crumbled bacon, green onions
and shredded cheddar cheese can be sprinkled over the spinach, then popped
in a hot oven until the cheese melts and bubbles.

For Greek Creamed Spinach, use 4 oz cream cheese and 4 oz crumbled feta
cheese.  Omit curry paste and garam masala and add 1t Greek seasoning and 1T
lemon juice.