Alabama - The Yellowhammer State, State flower: Camellia

1. Tuskegee Soup
2. Smothered Breast of Chicken
3. Hopping John
4. Spinach
5. Peanut Butter Cornbread
6. Southern Pecan Pie

Spinach

Remove the stems and coarse veins. Because of shrinkage in cooking you should figure on one (1) bag of spinach for every two persons.

Wash spinach thoroughly, sprinkle lightly with salt (I like sea salt for this.) and cover with water and cook in a heavy pot for no more than 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the spinach...don't overcook until it's mushy...just barely limp provides a much tastier dish. My alternate cooking method is to simply put the spinach into a steamer and, again, don't overcook it, unless you happen to like it that way.

Drain the spinach, add pepper and more salt to taste. Season further with lemon butter or just stir in a bit of butter while still hot and a squeeze of a fresh lemon. Serve it while hot!

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