Everyone needs a little spinach

This week's recipes are delicious ways to get that favorite of Popeye's, spinach, in your diet.

Fresh spinach is best, whether in the Hot Spinach-Cheese Dip or the Spinach Pie.

The dip is great, with crackers, chips or veggies. It makes a nice appetizer party food.

Even so-called spinach haters will like this.

Marge Craddock is from my hometown of Sidell, Ill., and her recipe for spinach pie is really easy and good.

It's a terrific meatless dish.

You'll like it if you try it.

Hot Spinach Cheese Dip

1 large onion, diced

2-3 c. chopped fresh spinach

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. sour cream

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1 c. grated cheddar

3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 t. black pepper

Mix all ingredients together well and put in a greased shallow pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, uncovered. Serves 6-8.

Marge Craddock's Spinach Pie

9-inch pie crust

3-4 c. chopped fresh spinach

4 T. butter

1 onion, chopped

3 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 c. evaporated milk

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 t. salt

1 c. shredded cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Pre-bake pie shell 10 minutes. Press it down if it puffs up. In butter, sauté onion till tender; add spinach and cook till wilted. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs, milk, W-sauce, salt. Sprinkle a little of the cheese on pie shell. Add filling then remaining cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes, or till knife inserted comes out clean. Serves 6-8.