Gluten Free · Grains

Leek, spinach and dill weed pilaf

I serve this with the “Mediterranean Fish Dish” and countless other dishes, as the leeks give such a wonderful flavor through the rice. A lot of people don’t like leeks, but you won’t even know what they are by the time you’ve finished the dish!

Serves 4

4 good sized leeks, rinsed and chopped lengthways, then across in 1/2 inch slices.
Butter
8 oz washed baby spinach
1 good tbsp dried dill weed.
salt and pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup long grain rice

Saute the leeks in a good knob of butter and add the dill weed. When they are soft, add the rice and stir, coating well with the leeks and butter, season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken broth and spinach, bring to the boil, stir well and turn down to low. Cover  and cook with the lid on following the cooking time on your rice packet. (Usually 20 minutes)
When ready, give a stir and serve.

Appetizers · Do-ahead · Gluten Free · Nuts · Vegetable-related

Basil cheese loaf

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8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
4 oz Roquefort cheese, at room temperature
1 cup spinach leaves, loosely packed, rinsed and dried
3/4 cup Italian parsley, loosely packed, washed and dried
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup slivered sun dried tomatoes, patted dry

Combine the cream cheese and Roquefort in a bowl and mix until smooth. Set aside.

Combine the spinach, parsley, basil and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle the oil through the feed tube; continue processing till smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the walnuts and parmesan and mix thoroughly.

Line a 5 1/2 x 2  1/2 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving extra wrap hanging over the sides.

Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture even;y over the bottom of the loaf pan. next, spread half the pesto mixture and arrange a layer of sun dried tomatoes on top.
Repeat with cheese, pesto and tomato layers.
Finish with the remaining 1/3 of the cheese mixture.
Cover with the overhanging plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.

To serve, allow the loaf to come just to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Invert it onto a platter and provide a cheese slicing knife. Have a basket of wheat crackers or bread nearby.