|
This if from McCalls Cooking School I was wondering if you could substitute summer squash for the spinach by shredding it and steaming it. Hope this recipe helps.
FRESH SPINACH LOAF WITH CHEESE SAUCE
4 large carrots 1 red bell pepper 2 lb. fresh spinach 4 Tablespoon butter or margarine 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup half and half 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar Dash pepper Dash nutmeg 4 eggs 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs (2 slices) 1 cup grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE: 2 Tablespoons butter or margarine 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt Dash pepper Dash ground red pepper 1 1/4 cups milk 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese (1/4 lb.) 3 red bell pepper rings (for garnish)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 8 1/2 -by 4 1/2-by 2 3/4-inch loaf pan; line with aluminum foil 16 inches long, 5 inches wide. Grease bottom and sides.
Pare carrots, cut into 1/4-inch cubes. Cover with boiling water in small saucepan and cook, covered, 10 minutes. Drain well; set aside.
Wash red pepper; cut in half; discard ribs and seeds; cut into 1/4-inch cubes (1 1/2 cups); set aside.
Wash spinach, discard large stems. Place in 8-qt. kettle with water clinging to leaves. Cook over medium heat, covered, tossing with fork once or twice, 5 minutes, until tender.
Turn spinach into colander; drain well. Chop coarsely.
In hot butter in large saucepan, saute onion, stirring, about 5 minutes.
Stir in spinach, half-and-half, 1 teaspoon salt, the sugar, dash pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat. Puree in blender or processor.
In large bowl, beat eggs slightly. Add bread crumbs and Swiss cheese; stir in spinach mixture, mixing well.
Spread 1/3 spinach mixture in loaf pan. Layer with carrot. Layer with 1/3 spinach mixture. Layer with red pepper. Top with rest of spinach mixture.
Place greased waxed paper over top of pan. Set pan in larger pan; pour 1 1/2 inches boiling water into larger pan.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
TO MAKE THE CHEESE SAUCE: In small saucepan, slowly melt butter; remove from heat. Stir in flour, seasonings and milk until smooth. Bring to boiling, stirring, until thick. Reduce heat; add Cheddar; stir until smooth.
TO SERVE: Cool loaf 20 minutes. Loosen edge with spatula. Invert onto warm platter. Top with sauce. Garnish with the red-pepper rings.
Serves 8.
|