Spanakopita

This is one of my all time favourite dishes- full of fresh herbs, green onions (or leeks) & yummy cheeses. And, well, it just looks so good. I've served this as a meal, hot out of the oven, accompanied by a big greek salad, or as an appetizer at room temperature. It's easy, you can make it ahead, and it's even good for breakfast!

Spanakopita
From The Family Circle Encyclopaedia of Cooking

1 cup butter or margarine (I always use butter and only as much as I need, usually 1/2 cup)
1 bunch green onions (sometimes I substitute leeks here)
2 packages (10oz each) frozen chopped spinach
6 eggs, lightly beaten
8oz feta cheese, crumbled
1 container (8oz) cottage cheese
2 tablespoons farina / cream of wheat (I've left this out with no noticeable effect)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper (I use more and usually white pepper)
1 package (16oz) frozen phyllo pastry

1. Melt butter in small saucepan. Butter a 13x9 baking dish.
2. Sauté green onions / leeks in 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet until tender.
3. Drain spinach, pressing out as much liquid as possible.
4. Combine onions,spinach, eggs, feta cheese, cottage cheese, farina, parsley, dill, salt & pepper in a large bowl.
5. Preheat oven to 375F. Unfold phyllo sheets and place between damp towels to keep from drying. Remove sheets one at a time and place in baking dish; brush each with melted butter. (Cut sheets to fit dish if necessary). Repeat until there are 6 layers of buttered sheets in dish.
6. Spread spinach mixture evenly over the layers.
7. Butter and stack 8 more phyllo sheets on top of the spinach mixture. Mark top sheet lightly in squares with a sharp knife. Cut partially through in square pattern. (I do triangle for hor d'oevres- it's easier to cut before baking).
8. Place spanakopita in pre heated oven and immediately lower temperature to 350F. Bake about 1 hour or until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly; cut into squares / triangles all the way through.

Notes: I've assembled this a day ahead and baked before serving and it worked fine.

Enjoy!