SPINACH FETA CHEESE PIES
Please read instructions thoroughly before starting.
Ingredients:
Bread dough-uncooked, Fillo dough* or
Puff Pastry Sheets (Fillo and Puff Pastry can be found in the freezer sections
of most large grocery stores)
1 lb. package frozen spinach or fresh spinach which has been lightly steamed
and drained well
˝ to 3/4 cup nuts, chopped small
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 egg, well beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbls. butter, organic (no margarine or spreads!)
Salt to taste
GETTING DOUGH READY:
Each of these pies will hold about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixture, spread lengthwise.
*
If using Fillo dough, be sure to follow package instructions for use. Three to four sheets of Fillo may be used as directed. Cut each large section in quarters. Each quarter will be used for a separate pie. See ideas on Fillo dough package.*If using Puff Pastry, thaw dough first. Cut each sheet into thirds as marked. Cut each third into fourths, cutting across the length of dough. In order to make extra room for mixture, each of these pieces should be rolled out some. These small sheets can hold about a heaping teaspoonful. They should be folded to form little pies or pillow shapes. Squeeze edges together to close.
*If using Bread dough, prepare as for a regular loaf bread using freshly-ground whole wheat flour (hard white or red wheat). Roll dough out until about ˝ inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter, cut out circles. These should then be rolled out until about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. We prefer thinner breads. If you like a lot of bread, use the thicker measurement. Depending on measurement, you will have to adjust for amount of mixture added to pie. Crimp edges with the end of a fork.
Any shape is correct. Use your imagination and come up with some designer pies! Even large ones!
PIE FILLING:
1. To prepare frozen spinach, completely thaw and squeeze out all juice into a small pot.
2. Cook this juice down until you have about 2 Tbls. left. This will be added back to the spinach for extra flavor. A cheese cloth or thin muslin cloth is good for squeezing out juice.
3. In frying pan, add oil, butter, onions, garlic and salt. Sauté until onions are transparent. Set pan aside to cool
4. To same pan, add spinach, spinach juice, nuts, cheese and egg. Mix well.
5. Prepare dough and add spinach mixture to pies. Place them on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
6. Bread dough: cook at 350 degrees until golden brown. Fillo dough: cook at 375 degrees until golden brown. Puff Pastry dough: cook at 400 degrees for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Children and adults who say they dislike spinach have eaten these. They are truly surprised to find out they are spinach pies!