We are left with only a few days before we ring in the new year. Was it a good year for you or is it one better left behind? Good or bad, what’s great about opening up that first page of the calendar is that it is a marker for new beginnings. On the health/lifestyle front–for most of us–ambitious plans for a fitter, healthier 2012 will be in place by the time the last drop of champagne is sipped and the last bits of twinkling confetti are dusted off our clothes. I will join the masses in trying to stick to this (re)new(ed) every year resolution by joining the crowds at the gym…at least for the first few weeks! Who hasn’t indulged a bit more than necessary since Thanksgiving?
To make up for the holiday binge, I have been easing back into rotation some of my figure-friendlier snacks. This white bean dip will not compromise any of your fitness resolutions but it is not short on flavor either. Garlic is the key here. The mellow quality of the cannellini beans showcases them quite well. Puréed until smooth, the dip is cloud-like in texture, lemony and full of garlicky punch. You’ll be well on your way to meeting your new year diet goals with this dip. Enjoy!
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Incidentally, my husband and I decided to have a tropical Christmas this year. It was a spontaneous move that caused anxiety for the time shortage leading to the holidays but now that we’re here, I am having a grand time. Here are just a few snapshots of our holiday, so far. Aloha and Happy New Year!
White Bean Dip
- 2 cans cannellini beans (drained)
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed (2 – 3 would be fine for a less prominent garlic flavor)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 – 5 tbsp olive oil
- salt
- paprika
- tahini 1/2 – 1 tbsp (optional. I always have some around for hummus. A little goes a long way here)
Purée the beans, garlic, lemon juice and tahini in a food processor. Add salt to taste. Chill in refrigerator for at least a half hour for the flavors to meld and sprinkle with paprika before serving.
First off I need to tell you I am so jealous! My dream is to go to Hawaii!! My goal this year is to save up for a trip. I want to celebrate my big 4,0 there. Have fun! Secondly your bean dip looks fantastic! Have a Happy new Year!!
How delicious! I am with you on the fitter, healthier thing. We had such a bitterly cold winter that we totally hibernated and all the walking we had done in Autumn just turned to blubber. Love your tropical Christmas. You can imagine how we spend Christmas in Australia. Happy new year!
Happy Holidays Jean! I bet you and hubby are having a fantastic time! Enjoy! { Love the photos – thank you for sharing } Your bean dip looks so wonderful and refreshing. I am hosting two small parties – one tomorrow and one on New Year’s Eve – this just might end up on one of the menus – delish!!! 🙂
Love spontaneous adventures. Oh how I miss them 🙂 I truly adore white bean dip with everything. mmmmmm definitely will share recipe so other can try this fabulousness as well 🙂
This dip looks fantastic and really healthy too! I’m jealous of the tropical climate.
Totally unfair! Teasing us with shots from tropical paradise. I am totally pouting, arms crossed, lip sticking way out. But, this bean dip has redeemed you a bit. I need a figure-happy snack for the coming new year. Hope you have fun on the rest of your trip!
This sounds like a great dip. And your holiday looks wonderful! Happy New Year!
Oh this looks like a good dip! Gorgeous photos too. I think your vacation has inspired you and if this is healthy eating then sign me up;-) Happy New Year and hugs from the mainland!
Have fun in Hawaii and a wonderful start to the new year!
Oh, yeah…I need to stop with the bonbons and start up on the healthy grub! Your dip looks fabulous!
Great recipe and also a great reminder that eating healthy and light does not need to be boring! Your tropical Christmas looks fantastic! Freezing where I live, but no snow yet!
Let’s start the year with the desire to get healthier and eventually, happier. The resolution asks for good recipes, delicious yet healthy ones. Thanks for a wonderful proteon-packed dip! Great photos!
Love the photos from your island getaway & this dip looks wonderful!
The dip looks perfect!
Love white bean dip — recently made a couple batches for a few cocktail parties we hosted. I love how easy it is but so flavorful and it’s different too. It’s rare to see a white bean dip at parties, I think. 🙂 Yours looks gorgeous.
Looks like a fantastic vacation Jean and love your bean dip. Seems we think alike with delicious and healthy New Year’s resolutions. Happy New Year and the best in 2012.
Happy holidays, and like everyone else I am jealous that you’re in Hawaii. One of my favorite places to visit. Love the white bean dip. Need to use up a couple of cans of cannellini beans, so this will be perfect.
Kendra
My first time to your blog – love it! I love bean dips and this looks fantastic! Thank you!
Yay!! The guilt free dip is Top 9!! And Hawaii pics to boot!
What hotel are you at? Are you at the Kea Lani? My husband and I got married there some 18 years ago. One of my favorite hotels. The pic with the Christmas tree looks like the beach walk that runs along the beach there. Grand Wailea? Enjoy and Aloha!
Congratulations on top 9! Gorgeous pictures! xx
Looks wonderful and delicious. Can’t beat a classic!
Enjoy your Hawaiian vacation! The bean dip sounds great!
It’s been a pleasure reading and drooling over your delicious recipes this year. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2012!
Happy New Year Jean!
No wonder it looks so easy and breezy. You are in Hawaii. Happy New Year. GREG
Lovely blog. 🙂