Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Florentine

8 ounces fresh baby spinach
4 bacon slices, chopped
2 shallots, minced
1 (22-ounce) package frozen mashed potatoes
2 1/3 cups milk
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter or margarine
8 ounces crumbled blue cheese, divided

Remove large stems from spinach.

Saute bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp; remove and drain bacon, reserving drippings in skillet.

Add shallots to skillet, and saute until tender; remove from skillet.

Add spinach, and saute to 5 minutes or until wilted. Set aside.

Combine mashed potatoes, milk, and butter in a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave at HIGH 15 minutes, stirring once. Let stand 2 minutes.

Stir in bacon, shallots, and half of crumbled blue cheese.

Arrange spinach around edges of a serving plate. Spoon potatoes in center, and sprinkle with remaining blue cheese.

Servings: 4-6