Laurie Colwin's Creamed Spinach

Laurie Colwin's Creamed Spinach: A Comfort Food Classic

There's something undeniably comforting about a creamy, cheesy spinach casserole. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of cozy nights, family gatherings, and perhaps even a bit of nostalgia for simpler times. And when that dish carries the name of a beloved author like Laurie Colwin, it takes on an extra layer of charm. I recently decided to try my hand at her famed Creamed Spinach recipe, and the experience was more than just culinary; it was a journey into the heart of home-style cooking.

This wasn’t just about following a recipe; it was about recreating a feeling, a sensation of warmth and familiarity that Colwin's writing so often captured. As I chopped the onion and garlic, I imagined myself in her kitchen, perhaps sharing a glass of wine while the aromas of butter, spinach, and cheese filled the air. The process was meditative, each step a small act of creation that brought me closer to the spirit of the dish and the writer behind it.

The ingredients themselves are simple, readily available, and speak to the beauty of uncomplicated cooking. Frozen spinach, readily accessible in most supermarkets, formed the base of this comforting dish. I used fresh jalapeños which brought a beautiful zest of heat, a delicious contrast to the creamy richness. The sharp cheddar and the creamy milk gave it the perfect textural and taste balance.

The baking process is equally straightforward. The bubbling, creamy mixture, nestled in a buttered casserole dish and topped with golden-brown breadcrumbs, transformed into a culinary masterpiece in a mere forty-five minutes. The aroma alone is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I found myself peering into the oven every few minutes, anxiously awaiting the moment when the top would achieve that perfect crisp and golden-brown color. It’s a simple act of patience, but the reward is well worth the wait.

Serving the Creamed Spinach was an equally satisfying experience. The first bite was a burst of flavor—the creamy texture, the subtle spice of jalapeño, and the rich taste of the cheese all blending together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that could stand alone, yet it would also be an excellent accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple salad. It's versatility is another quality I appreciate.

Colwin’s recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a testament to the power of simple, comforting food to bring people together. It's a reminder that sometimes the most memorable meals are those made with love and a touch of nostalgia. This Creamed Spinach isn’t just a dish; it's an experience, a connection to a culinary tradition, and a tribute to the writer who inspired it. It's a dish I’ll undoubtedly make again and again, savoring each bite and cherishing the memories it evokes.

Beyond the Recipe:

This recipe made me consider the broader aspects of food and memory. How often do our favorite dishes evoke a certain time, a place, or a person? Food has a unique ability to transport us back to cherished moments. The flavors, textures, and aromas can unlock powerful memories and emotions. This Creamed Spinach is more than just sustenance; it's a conduit to the past, a tangible link to our heritage, and a comforting embrace in a world that often feels chaotic.

The act of cooking itself is also a form of mindfulness. The rhythmic chopping, the careful measuring, the gentle stirring – these actions can be meditative, a way to quiet the mind and connect with the present moment. It's during these moments when I truly appreciate the beauty and simplicity of this classic recipe, a testament to the enduring power of comfort food.

So, I encourage you to try Laurie Colwin's Creamed Spinach. It's a simple recipe, but it’s a recipe with a story. It’s a recipe that connects us to a talented author's culinary spirit. More importantly, it’s a recipe that will warm your heart and fill your stomach with deliciousness. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Cook the spinach. Drain, reserving one cup of liquid, and chop fine.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Blend and cook a little. Do not brown.
• Add onion and garlic.
• Add one cup of spinach liquid slowly, then add evaporated milk, black pepper, celery salt, and cheese.
• Add one or more jalapeño peppers (how many is a question of taste as well as what kind. Colwin used the pickled kind, from a jar. I used one fresh), and the spinach.
• Cook until all is blended.
• Turn into a buttered casserole topped with buttered bread crumbs, and bake for about 45 minutes at 300° F until the top is crisp and golden. If you want to speed up the browning, toast under the broiler.