Friends!

Friendship. How do you define friendship? It is such an important part of everyone's lives, almost from birth to death. You only need one and many of us have more than that.  Think about the books, songs, movies and poems that have been written about the subject!

I have really enjoyed watching the different stages and levels of friendships with my daughters, from daycare to elementary school to middle school. It has been fascinating to watch as relationships move from playmates to confidantes as kids age. Watching how negotiation, communication and the power of information play a role; add in a little romance and things can get complex!

A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow - William Shakespeare

I can only speak about my own experience, having Sosie and Sage. Girls can be so hard and mean and grudge-holders at times.  It makes me angry and it brings back so many painful memories from my childhood.  But, kids need to go through tough times to get to the better parts of friendship. These times help them realize who real friends are versus fun friends versus not friends at all. Who are the people you can trust? Who are the people that make you feel good about yourself? Who can you be yourself around? Who can you laugh and cry with?

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity - Khalil Gibran

As an adult, I am incredibly grateful for my friends. They add a special element to my life that is unique and meaningful.  While my family is the most important aspect of my life, friends are so integral to making my life a better one too.

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me - Henry Ford

Put on Boom Boom Pow by The Black Eyed Peas and get cooking!

Yesterday, I mentioned Spinach Pie. I made this the other night alongside the pork tenderloin. This could be a stand alone dinner with a nice salad or it can be a side dish. It is from the Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and I really enjoyed it.

Spinach Pie
3 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions) (I used a little less)
2 T good olive oil
2 tsp kosher salt (I used less)
1 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
3 (10-ounce) packages frozen, chopped spinach, defrosted
6 extra-large eggs, beaten (I used large)
2 tsp grated nutmeg (I used dried)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I used already grated)
3 T plain dry bread crumbs
1/2 pound good feta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
1/4 pound salted butter, melted
6 sheets phyllo dough, defrosted

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In a medium sauté pan on medium heat, sauté the onions with the olive oil until translucent and slightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.  Add the salt and pepper and allow to cool slightly.

Squeeze out and discard as much of the liquid from the spinach as possible. Put the spinach into a bowl and then gently mix in the onions eggs, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, feta and pignoli.

Butter an ovenproof, nonstick, 6-inch sauté pan (I used an 8-inch round pan) and line it with 6 stacked sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter, letting the edges hang over the pan.

Pour the spinach mixture into the middle of the phyllo and neatly fold the edges up and over the top seal in the filling.  Brush the top well with melted butter.
 

Bake for 1 hour, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.  Serve at room temperature.

Enjoy and have a happy day!