Thursday nights

Thursdays are typically my busiest days at work, so by the time I get home after 6, I want easy dinners.  Not so easy that I'm reaching deep into the freezer for whatever ice-crusted box of frozen raviolis I can find, but something with minimal ingredients and minimal prep work.  This recipe fits those criteria.

Sausage & Spinach Bake
3 cups uncooked instant brown rice
1 can low sodium chicken or vegetable broth + 1 cup water
8 oz lean pork (or turkey) sausage, casings removed (I found uncased sausage at the store)
3 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

*Preheat oven to 325 degrees*
1. Combine broth and water in a medium sauce pan.  Cook rice according to package directions.  Set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook sausage until done. 
3. In a large bowl, stir together hot rice, sausage, half of the cheese, the spinach, and seasonings.  The spinach will get wilted- this is ok.
4. Coat an 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.  Spread rice mixture evenly and top with remaining cheese.  Bake 5-10 minutes until cheese is nice and melted.

E-Z.

Makes 4 servings.  Per serving: 395 calories, 51 g carbs, 22 g protein, 4 g fiber, and 46% of your daily vitamin A needs.

As a bonus picture, I woke up to see this beautiful sunrise.  Onto Friday...