Recipe: Spinach Pepperoni Cheese Nibblers

Spinach Pepperoni Cheese Nibblers
rec.food.cooking/Wen Zientek/1998

These bright red and green studded appetizers are tasty and festive. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than canned cheese really makes the difference in this recipe.

10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces sliced pepperoni
2 large eggs
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cups finely chopped fresh mushrooms
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
salt
freshly ground pepper
sour cream (optional)

Thaw the spinach. Drain thoroughly and squeeze the spinach firmly to remove all of the water.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease several mini-muffin tins.
Place one slice of pepperoni in the bottom of each prepared muffin cup and set aside enough pepperoni to make 48 nibblers. Dice the remaining pepperoni slices.

In a mixing bowl beat the eggs. Mix in the spinach, remaining pepperoni, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, onion, and herbs. Beat until well blended. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Invert the pan and gently tap to remove the muffins. Place the muffins on a serving plate and serve with the sour cream.