Directions:

1. Wash the spinach well, drain, and remove large stems. If leaves are very large, cut them in half; otherwise leave them whole. Spinach cooks down to a suprising degree, so make sure you start with enough. One pound of fresh spinach will serve only 2 - 3 people as a side dish.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet and add the garlic. Saute, stirring, for 2 minutes.

3. Add the spinach in batches as it wilts down, and pour off any liquid that accumulates. Saute just until all the spinach is wilted and bright green. Add salt if desired.

4. Serve as is or seasoned with one of the following: fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or red-pepper flakes.