Woo-hoo!

My ex-step Great Aunt was visiting the family compound these last two weeks
and was to return home (Kentucky) on Friday 7/8. Since she wasn't booked
with any other plans I threw a little dinner party.

This meal wasn't as elaborate as I'm known for doing but certainly appealed
to everyone. In fact, to hear the oooohhhs, ahhhhs, and 'you made that
too?' you would have thought that everyone expected PB & J sandwiches but
were surprised to have a 5-star restaurant cater their meal! LOL

Things began quite simply with cheeses and ripe olives. The cheeses we
Horseradish, mild cheddar, and sharp white cheddar. Fried spinach was
intended only for the meal - but it too became an appetizer! I could barely
keep a handful of guests out of it!

The meal was composed of:
Oriental Coleslaw
Yeast Rolls
Fried Spinach
Egg Noodles
Western Beef
Dessert: New York style Cheesecake with strawberries on the side.
(all made from scratch)

One person asked where the cheesecake came from... "ummm, I baked it last
night...". Too funny.

The Aunt's sister is usually known for being quite 'proper' (most times!LOL)
and had executed great manners during dinner and even helped to clear the
table after the meal... but what was funny was that each time she would
bring something into the kitchen (even though I told her it was unnecessary
for her to help) she and her sister would cut slivers off the cheesecake,
eat it and then return for another item from the dining room... and repeat
the same actions...

If you haven't had the opportunity to try Fried Spinach - I encourage you to
try it. It is amazing! I had it at a restaurant many years ago and had
promised myself that I would make it at home. Well, Thursday was the day to
try it. Man, am I glad I did! It is SO good! Taste a lot like chips but
with a slightly 'green' flavor. <shrug> Totally wonderful and extremely
easy to prepare. Recipe to follow:


Fried Spinach:

Oil (I used Canola)
Shortening (cheap white stuff to ensure the Canola wouldn't smoke)
Fresh Spinach (we went through 2 pounds!)
Salt & Pepper

Pour oil and a few globs of shortening into your deep fryer.

Bring temperature to 375 °F.

Take handful of clean and DRY spinach - drop into fryer.

Once splattering has slowed down, remove spinach and place on paper towels
to drain.

Immediately sprinkle salt and pepper.

Eat!!

That's it. Easy, tasty and amazing. Two days later and I'm still receiving
comments about the spinach. YUMMM!!

Cyndi