Award Winning Spinach and Parmesan Appetizer

This aptly named appetizer combines the sharp, distinct taste of Parmesan with chopped spinach for a surprising pairing a lot like the stars of the Oscar-nominated film Moneyball.

Even if you haven’t seen the movie yet you just know it’s going to be entertaining with big names like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Brad Pitt on the bill, and I like to consider cheese and spinach the Hoffman and Pitt of the appetizer world—one being undeniably delicious, and the other being much more of an acquired taste!

Easy to make and serve, these “money balls” are sure to win over your friends, even if your favorite film star or crew doesn’t go home with an award of their own.

Ingredients:

1 package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

4 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 small green onion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350F. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, using a flat spoon or your hands, mix until well incorporated.

Roll spinach mixture into 1-inch balls. A small ice cream scoop may be used to insure each ball is about the same size.

Arrange spinach balls on greased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

Makes:

About 20 appetizers