Spinach and Asparagus

Spinach

In the winter I crave warm vegetables. Tonight I wanted to make something with the spinach in my refrigerator, but I didn't want to go to the effort of making creamed spinach. I did a quick search and found this recipe for spinach sauteed in olive oil and garlic. It's so simple: a bag of fresh spinach, a couple tablespoons of olive oil, and a clove or two of garlic, sauteed over medium-high heat for just a couple of minutes. Yet it was so delicious, especially with the roast chicken and root vegetables that we ate with it. This other sauteed spinach recipe is very similar, except it suggests garnishing the sauteed spinach with a squeeze of lemon juice and some pine nuts. Perhaps I'll add those next time.

Asparagus with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

I was running behind on dinner tonight and the girls were hungry, so I gave them some leftovers, including steamed asparagus. Neither of them is fond of plain asparagus. They make that very clear. However, everything changes if I make what I refer to as a "special sauce" to go on the asparagus. I drizzle some olive oil and apple cider vinegar over their asparagus and sprinkle on a dash of salt, and the girls' reaction is amazing. They gobble down every last piece in their bowls. Praise God for apple cider vinegar and "special sauce!"