Spinach Cakes

Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup of the flour. Stirring constantly for 5 to 6 minutes, make a blond roux, the color of sandpaper.

Add the onions and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, or until slightly wilted. Add the milk and stir until the mixture thickens, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the spinach, salt, cayenne, white pepper, nutmeg, and garlic and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes.

Remove from the heat. Add the bread crumbs, parmesan, and Pernod and mix well. Let cool for about 30 minutes. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup flour and the rub. Dredge the patties, coating evenly, in the flour. Fry the cakes for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until golden.

Transfer to a warm platter and keep warm until ready to use. The cakes can be reheated by placing them in a pie tin in a 400ºF. oven for 4 to 5 minutes.

Serve warm.

Yield : 4 cakes