HOLIDAY VEGGIE LOAF

This is four layers of green (spinach) (2x), red (tomato), and pale yellow (leek).

Makes 15-20 thick slices (rich!).

Spinach layers:

4 pkg frozen leaf spinach (9-10 oz ea)
4 eggs
2/5 t. nutmeg
pinch of white pepper
2½ t. salt


Tomato layer:

2.2 lb fresh, firm tomatoes
½ med. yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 T. butter
4 eggs
1 t. salt
pinch of cayenne pepper


Leek layer:

3-5 leeks, white, bulb part only (1 lb)
1 c. whipping cream
4 eggs
1 t. salt


Preparation:

1.	Let spinach thaw slightly.  Mince.

2.	Scald tomatoes 1/2 minute in boiling water.  Remove from water and allow to cool.  Remove peels.  Slice, remove and dispose of seeds.
	Mince onion.

3.	Sauté tomatoes, minced onion, and pressed garlic in the butter.  Simmer over low heat until all liquid is absorbed.  Stir frequently, especially at the end.  With a large pan, this will take about 45 minutes.

4.	Rinse and mince leeks.  Cook in boiling water for 3 minutes.  Pour into strainer and then squeeze out remaining water.

5.	Simmer leek and whipping cream in large frying pan slowly until all moisture is absorbed.

6.	Steam spinach 2 minutes.  Pour into strainer and then squeeze out remaining water.

7.	Let the three vegetable mixtures cool separately.  Grease a 2-quart loaf pan well.  Cut foil to fit bottom of the pan.  Grease this also and lay in pan.  Heat oven to 450° and place large baking sheet with water on lowest oven rack.  Remove other racks.  The Holiday loaf will be set in this water.

8.	Mix spinach with 4 eggs, nutmeg, white pepper and salt.
	Mix tomato mixture with 4 eggs, salt, and cayenne.
	Mix leek mixture with 4 eggs and salt.

9.	Spread half the spinach mixture evenly in the loaf pan.  Next spread the tomato mixture, and then the leek mixture.  Spread the remainder of the spinach evenly over the top.

10.	Cover the loaf pan with a greased sheet of foil and set the pan in the baking sheet with water.  Bake 1-3/4 to 2 hours.

11.	Cool Holiday loaf 5-10 minutes.  Turn the loaf upside down and further cool to room temperature.

Serve Holiday loaf in ½" slices with sour cream or whipped cream seasoned lightly with horseradish.