My friend Michelle read my last post and reminded me of another appetizer I love: Spinach Balls. Okay, so the name doesn’t exactly make your mouth water, but hear me out. Spinach is just one ingredient in the recipe. The others include butter, parmesan cheese, croutons and garlic—lots and lots of garlic.
I first tasted Spinach Balls many, many years ago when I was at my sister Carrie’s house for a holiday (I can’t remember which one). She served them as well as a bunch of other holiday finger food, much of it sweet. Two of my nieces were there—both were under the age of five—and they repeatedly ignored the cookies and candies to pop Spinach Ball after Spinach Ball in their mouth. Now if that’s not a huge stamp of approval for these garlicy, buttery little bites, I don’t know what is.
Spinach Balls
2 (10 oz) packages frozen spinach, cooked and drained (this is easy to do in the microwave)
6 slightly beaten eggs
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup parmesan cheese
2 cups seasoned croutons (the small ones work best)
5 clove of garlic, crushed
Mix all the ingredients into bite-size balls and bake at 350º on wax paper for 15 to 20 minutes. Baking time may be shorter—watch carefully. Best served warm.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen, depending on how large you make them
On a related, but odd, note: Have you ever seen the movie Mermaids? Cher stars as this unconventional, kind of scattered mom who only serves her kids appetizers as meals. I think there’s a good chance that could be me someday.
