Creamed Spinach

I made this last Christmas and everyone loved it. It is such a great side for the holidays, but it's good enough to make anytime.

Creamed Spinach

Serves: 6-8 Prep. Time: 0:35 5 Tbls. butter OR margarine - divided 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 dash ground nutmeg 1 cup half and half cream 4 oz. cream cheese 1 sm. onion - minced 3 cloves garlic - minced (2) 10 oz. pkgs. frozen chopped spinach - thawed 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

-In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 3 Tbls. butter; stir in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; slowly whisk in cream; stir in cream cheese. -Increase heat to medium; whisk mixture constantly until thick and smooth; remove from heat and set aside. -In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook onions and garlic in remaining 2 Tbls. butter until transparent; stir spinach and water into pan. -Reduce heat to medium-low; cover; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. -Stir spinach mixture into creamy mixture; return to medium heat; heat, stirring often, until warmed throughout. -Remove from heat; fold in Parmesan.