12oz.frozen chopped spinach or 1 lb fresh spinach cooked, see recipe notes
1tablespoonfresh or bottled lemon juice
1 - 8ozcan of sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
8ozcream cheese
1/2cupmilk, half and half or cream (not skim)
2cupsor 1/2 lb. grated mozzarella
garlic salt to taste
few drops of Tabasco
Instructions
Microwave spinach for 2 minutes, covered. This may be done in the bag or box if it is microwave safe. Make sure to open the box or pierce the bag a few times to prevent bursting of container.
Let cool for a minute or two.
Squeeze spinach over sink or a bowl in a few handfuls, until most of the liquid is extracted.
Place spinach in bowl, once drained of liquid.
In a medium size bowl, microwave lemon juice, water chestnuts, milk, and cream cheese for 1 minute, covered. Remove from microwave and whisk.
Add spinach, mozzarella, garlic salt, and a few drops of Tabasco to the cream cheese mixture.
Fold together until all ingredients are blended.
Cover bowl and microwave for 1 minute.
Stir, then microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. All ingredients should be melted together and hot.
Remove from microwave, place in serving bowl if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
-If you are using fresh spinach, place spinach in a microwave safe dish and add 1/4 cup of water. Cover bowl and microwave for 2 minutes and check. If the spinach is not wilted, microwave at one minute intervals until completely cooked and wilted. One pound of fresh spinach leaves will cook down to approximately one cup of cooked spinach. Make sure to squeeze out all excess water after cooking, and before adding to cream cheese mixture. -Microwaves vary from one to another. Your total cook time may be less or more than mine. Watch the mixture when making the first time to make sure it does not overcook! Stir and cover as directed.