PUTTING BABY SPINACH TO WORK

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It’s great to have a bag of prewashed baby spinach on hand for a quick salad, but it comes in handy in other ways too.

SPINACH AND BACON PHYLLO CUPS

Process 2 cups baby spinach in food processor until finely chopped, about 10 seconds. Add 2 ounces softened cream cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder; pulse until smooth, about 1 minute. Spoon spinach mixture into 15 mini phyllo cups. Bake on parchment paper–lined baking sheet in 375-degree oven until hot, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with 3 slices cooked and crumbled bacon and extra grated Parmesan. Makes 15.

SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES

Combine 6 cups baby spinach, 1 head frisée, torn into pieces, 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil in large bowl. In separate bowl, whisk 7 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced shallot, ¾ teaspoon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper together, then slowly whisk in 4½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Serves 6.

SPINACH SMOOTHIE

Combine ¾ cup orange juice, ¼ cup milk, 3 cups baby spinach, 1 peeled and chopped apple, ½ banana, 10 ice cubes, pinch salt, and pinch sugar in blender, with liquids on bottom. Blend on low speed until mixture is combined, about 10 seconds. Increase to high speed and puree until completely smooth, 20 to 40 seconds. Season with additional sugar to taste. Serves 2.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH SPINACH AND FETA

Toast 1 cup Israeli couscous and 2 tablespoons olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Add 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in 2 cups chopped baby spinach, 1 finely chopped tomato, ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese, and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4.

SPINACH PESTO

Toast 2 garlic cloves in 8-inch skillet over medium heat until spotty brown, about 7 minutes; let cool, peel, and mince. Process minced garlic, 3 cups baby spinach, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup sliced, toasted almonds, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon salt in food processor until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss with 1 pound freshly cooked spaghetti. Add pasta cooking water as needed and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4 to 6.