This gratin makes a simple accompaniment to roast chicken, pork or even baked eggs.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　3 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed

　　5 tablespoons butter

　　2 tablespoons flour

　　1/2 cup whipping cream

　　1/2 cup milk

　　Pinch of ground nutmeg

　　Pinch of ground cloves

　　2/3 cup grated manchego or Parmesan cheese

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Light butter 8-inch or 9-inch glass pie dish. Squeeze spinach very dry. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach and sauté 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spread spinach evenly in prepared pie dish.

　　

Step 2

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk 2 minutes; do not let mixture brown. Gradually add cream, then milk, whisking until mixture is smooth. Cook until sauce is thick, whisking frequently, about 6 minutes. Add nutmeg and cloves. Season with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 3

Spoon sauce over spinach. Sprinkle cheese over. Bake until cheese is golden and sauce bubbles, about 15 minutes.