Spinach Poppers

Light and airy phyllo dough is just perfect for those celebrating their engagement with a Bridal Shower. Delight your guests as they entertain the bride-to-be with these satisfying treats on the table.

Filling:
1 1/4 lb Spinach; fresh, stemmed and washed
1 tblsp Olive oil
3 bunches Scallions, trimmed and chopped (1-1/2 c)
1/4 cup Feta cheese; crumbled
2 tblsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tblsp Dill; fresh, chopped
1 tblsp Lemon juice
2 large Egg whites
Salt & pepper, to taste

Phyllo Pastry:
8 Phyllo dough sheets (14x18")
1 large Egg white
2 tblsp Olive oil
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Poppy or sesame seeds, or a combination

Filling:
Put spinach with water still clinging to the leaves in a large pot. Cover and cook over medium heat until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes. Drain and refresh with cold water. Squeeze the spinach quite dry and chop. In nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add scallions and saute until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium-sized bowl and stir in spinach, feta, Parmesan, dill and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Beat egg whites lightly with a fork and stir into the spinach mixture.

Set oven rack on the upper level; preheat to 350 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet lightly with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together egg white, oil and salt. Lay one sheet of phyllo on a work surface with a short side toward you. Brush lower half of the sheet with the egg-white mixture. Repeat this step with a second sheet of phyllo and set on top of the first. Spoon one-quarter of the spinach filling along one long edge. Tuck in the side edges and roll up, jelly-roll fashion. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining phyllo, egg-white mixture and filling, making 4 rolls in all. Brush tops of the rolls lightly with the egg-mixture and sprinkle with seeds, if desired. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. With a serrated knife, cut each roll diagonally into 9 pieces and serve hot.

The rolls may be prepared, baked and sliced up to 2 days in advance. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through. Makes 36 appetizers.

I could eat these all night! Too bad my friends usually get to them first.