Joe's Special (Ground Beef, Spinach & Eggs)

Description: According to my cookbooks, Joe's Special is a San Francisco specialty dating to the 1920's. I have seen several versions; what they all have in common is ground beef, spinach and eggs. This is not fancy, but it makes a great main dish for a light supper or brunch. I like to serve this with toasted Beer Bread and a fresh fruit salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained or
• 2 (6 ounce) bags fresh baby spinach leaves (chop or leave whole)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Beat the eggs and set aside for step 7.
2. Heat the oil and butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
3. When the butter has melted, add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbly.
4. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender but not browned.
5. Stir in the spinach, basil, oregano and nutmeg.
6. If using fresh spinach, cook until the spinach wilts.
7. Add the beaten eggs to the beef/spinach mixture and cook until the eggs are set, about 3 minutes.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.