Sunday, May 22, 2011

Easy White Bean Spread, for a Celebration Lunch with Family



A few weeks ago I got an email from Renee from Kitchen Conundrum that I had won a copy of Cristina Ferrare's Big Bowl of Love cookbook.  Yahoo!  To enter her contest, she had asked readers to leave a comment about a recipe they love to make at home for their friends and family.  Here is what I said: 

I love making classic chocolate chip cookies – everyone always loves them and fresh out of the oven there is nothing better. I would love to win this cookbook for my mom! :) **

Her question to readers was utterly perfect considering the "Big Bowl of Love" theme of Cristina Ferrare's new cookbook - the entire cookbook is devoted to simple, delicious recipes that you can share with family and friends.  Cristina describes each of the recipes in such a warm and genuine tone that it just makes you want to be home.  So naturally, her book and recipes made me think of my mom and how much she would love this cookbook.  Of course, when I actually won it I had a few self-indulgent moments paging through it and some more self-indulgent thoughts about keeping it, but in the end I gave it to my mom as a Mother's Day present; I knew she would appreciate it more than I would and it seemed like the perfect gift for her.  


But to make the gift even more perfect, I escaped home for two short days to surprise her and give it to her in person.  I combined a celebration of Mother's Day, my father's birthday, and my grandfather's 90th birthday (can you believe it!  Ninety years!) into a few whirlwind hours back in Ohio, and every moment of my time at home was precious and heart-warming.  Of course, we celebrated with birthday cakes and special dinners and lots of hugs and kisses, but one of the best times was a small, relaxing celebration lunch with my parents in our own backyard.  

I love my parents' antique-style knives.  I also love my mom's lilacs.

I set everything up so we could have a lunch that would be elegant enough to be 'special' but nothing that we would have to fuss over.  Life has been hectic for my parents (and for me) and I think we all really cherished time where we could relax, and just enjoy the pleasure of simple conversation and time spent together.  



When I looked through Big Bowl of Love before I gave it to my mom, I immediately knew my parents would love the recipe for White Bean Spread since they loved my homemade hummus.  Plus, the recipe was easy enough that we could whip it up in under 10 minutes, and be outside with our feet up and a drink in our hands. 

The beautiful La Marca cork cage, and the more beautiful straw-colored prosecco

Did I mention a drink?  Well of course we couldn't have a sophisticated backyard soiree without having a little indulgence, right?  I knew I wanted to make my Sparkling Wine with Lemon Thyme Sorbet, but there was no time to make sorbet and I didn't have any prosecco - so I improvised.  

Before lunch when my mom and I were out running errands, I made her wait in the car while I went into World Market and picked up a bottle of La Marca prosecco, and later we stopped and got some store-bought lemon sorbet.  Could it be any easier?  When I made the drink for my parents at lunch they were both in love... and of course asked for refills.    


Overall, the lunch was completely perfect.  The rainy spring weather held at bay for a few hours while we languished on the deck, slowly savored our food, and relished in family time.  We had no schedule, no agenda to attend to, and nothing else to distract us from each other (and our food).   


Recipes like this Easy Herbed White Bean Spread, and cookbooks like Cristina's are just the sort of things that busy families and busy people need so they can carve out some time to spend with loved ones.  Oh sure, you could go out and buy some fast food or go out to a fancy restaurant, but why do those things when it is so easy to keep it at home and keep it simple.  

Thanks Renee for a great cookbook, thanks Cristina for great family recipes, and most of all, thanks mom and dad for much-needed family time.    


One year ago: California Cutie Pie

**My mom and dad are making more recipes from Big Bowl of Love - tonight they were making roasted chicken broth and also guacamole - so this is clearly a useful cookbook with solid recipes.
**And just in case you are interested, these are the chocolate chip cookies I make.  Love them. 
_____________________________________



Easy Herbed White Bean Spread
Adapted from Cristina Ferrare's Big Bowl of Love


In her cookbook, Cristina says you can make this recipe with dried, soaked, and cooked beans, or with canned ones.  Usually I prefer to use dried beans in my recipes, but to make this quick and easy I used canned beans.  The garlic, scallions, and thyme give this dip a nice savory flavor, and the lemon makes it bright and happy.  Next time you want to make hummus, give this a try - it is a nice change of pace. 


Cristina Ferrare's Big Bowl of Love: Delight Family and Friends with More than 150 Simple, Fabulous Recipes


1 15-ounce can of white beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Dash of ground black pepper
1 scallion, green parts chopped
1/4 tsp minced garlic
Leaves from 2 small sprigs fresh thyme
Juice from 1/2 lemon
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil


For serving: a baguette, or crusty french bread, cut into slices


In a food processor, combine the beans, salt, pepper, scallion, garlic, and thyme.  Using on/off turns, pulse just until beans are pureed.  Add the lemon juice and two tablespoons of the olive oil, then process until smooth.  Check for consistency - if it is not smooth and creamy, add another tablespoon of olive oil and process again.  


To serve, garnish with a few leaves of thyme and spread on fresh bread.  

42 comments:

  1. That spread is wonderful! Exactly the kind of food I love.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've never made white bean spread - but will have to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. that looks like a very sweet gathering. beautiful lilacs! and your bean spread looks like it was a very yummy accompaniment to that baguette.

    ReplyDelete
  4. YUM! What a simple, yet delicious spread. I'm glad you took some time to relax and celebrate...your photos are absolutely amazing. I'm in love with your parents' lilacs, too~

    ReplyDelete
  5. So simple! I have been looking for a white bean dip recipe for a while. I am going to try this one out. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a fantastic spread - and to have time just kick back and relax.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really like white bean spread as an alternative to hummus. It has a lovely mild quality.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It sounds like an absolutely lovely day. Also, it's such a nice feeling to find a tasty-looking recipe that I have all the ingredients waiting for me in my kitchen.

    ReplyDelete
  9. oh white beans rather than chickpeas is a lovely touch! love the food proc shot. That's a true blogger...i love it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. nothing tastes better than food with family. Especially when the bubbly is flowing freely! Great photos...Theresa

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi THERE,
    This is an amazing spread, looking so appetizing. I just wanted to ahve this in my b'fast today moring. Perfect color and healthy spread too. will surely love to try this recipe of yours. lovely pictures....cheers, sonia !

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lol, I just posted a white bean spread/dip too! =) This one looks great, I like the use of green onions and thyme in there. Love your photos!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This spread looks delicious! I love how you tied family-time together in the post. Loved reading through it and looking at your photos..

    ReplyDelete
  14. I need to make this! I am a big fan of vegan, protein type recipes like this...your pictures are just stunning. They just enchant me!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the folks over at Kitchen Conundrum and this cookbook sounds wonderful! Of course, love your photos... such a beautiful setup. We're going to have to make prosecco/sorbet for one of our get-togethers, lady!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You really know how to entertain! Your party guests are very lucky :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. That does look like a wonderful spread and book! Congratulations on your win :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ooooh I love the look of this spread and the fact it's so easy is even better! Looks like you had a wonderful family celebration. I love days like that.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The dip looks amazing! Looks like you chose to go with both pictures you posted on twitter :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. lovely!!! i heard watercress is a good complement to white bean dip? i don't know. looks fantastic and fresh and healthy!

    ReplyDelete
  21. hey! I've seen those pictures before :D I love healthy dips especially with crudités. This book sounds special so I'll probably end up buying it [this panda is a hopeless cookbook hoarder]. So nice to read about your parents, I am madly in love with mine :) Family rocks. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think I make a million versions of white bean dip, and I love them, but they seem to taste 'too healthy' or 'too vegetarian' for the men in my family. I really think the addition of scallions will 'beef' it up--thanks for this recipe! My parents are visiting next weekend and I will test it out for them :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Beautiful! I love an easy appetizer that you can whip up in no time! Cristina's book is wonderful - so many recipes that are great for entertaining. Great pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What great photographs for a great recipe! I miss my Camp Blogaway bunkmates. I hope we can get together soon...

    xo
    Jen

    Domestic Divas
    www.domesticdivas.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I heard you had escaped to Ohio for a few days, what a wonderful reason! Gorgeous photos, as usual. Those lilacs are just beautiful.
    This is the type of spread that I could simply make a meal of. Perfect ingredients and flavors. This will make it to our summer gatherings for sure!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a wonderful lunch, simple meals like that are the best.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Lovely photos! And I'm sure that the dip was great!

    ReplyDelete
  28. What an elegant spread! And the lilacs are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a trio of amazing things to celebrate all together, Amanda! I bet this spread was just perfect to make everybody happy!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Looks fantastic! Thanks for the Congrats!! Love your blog! Just subscribed! :)

    www.epicureanmom.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm a fan of pretty much any bean dip or spread. The scallions sounds like a fabulous addition that I've never tried.

    My parents and in-laws both have lilac bushes that we definitely miss in the spring!

    ReplyDelete
  32. How elegant! And I love the simplicity - family, food, drink and a beautiful outdoor setting. What more could you need?! I am so lucky that my family lives close by. I'm actually headed over there this afternoon for an outdoor celebration! Thanks for the recipes (spread and drink) - they will be perfect additions for the table. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. You're so awesome to suprise your Mom!!

    Beautiful lighting in that garden. And the flowers... gorgeous! Lilacs are my personal favorite.

    What a great way to spend the day with your family.

    [K]

    ReplyDelete
  34. Just made this for a last minute picnic. Loved the easy prep and had it ready in under 10 minutes! Great taste with the fresh thyme!

    ReplyDelete

  35. سواء كنت ترغب بنقل الأثاث أو بمجرد إعادة ترتيبيه، فإن نقل الأثاث الثقيل هي مهمة كبيرة وبحاجة لاستخدام تقنيات بسيطة من أجل تحريك قطع الأثاث الثقيلة والمواد دون أن يتسبب الأمر في تدمير ظهرك، أو بيتك أو الأثاث، فإن مهمة نقل الأثاث الثقيل بنفسك يتطلب استخدام رأسك  وليس ظهرك.
    شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
    سنعرف في السطور التالية كيفية نقلب الأثاث الثقيل وخاصة وأن الفترة التي يعيشها الأشخاص عند الرغبة في نقل الأثاث بمفردهم تكون من أصعب وأطول الفترات التي تمر عليهم،  لذلك يحرص خبراء شركة نقل عفش بالرياض على مساعدتكم بأفكار سهلة وبسيطة لنقل الأثاث و إكمال المهمة الصعبة، فهذا هو الوقت المناسب لتذكيركم ببعض الوظائف يجب القيام بها قبل نقل الأثاث.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Amazing idea of celebration with the family. Thank you so much.
    Mothers Day 2019 Celebration With Family

    ReplyDelete
  37. 4th Of July Prayers
    very nicely writeen and the idea is very useful thanks you sir love you

    ReplyDelete
  38. เว็บสล็อตเเตกง่าย ambbet เกมสล็อตเเตกง่าย ขากค่ายชั้นนำ มีทั้งเกมเก่า เเละใหม่ รวมไว้ให้เลือกเล่นมากกว่า 300 เกม เล่นได้ทุกเกม ไม่ต้องโหลด สมัครสล็อต สมัครขั้นต่ำเพียง 50 บาทเท่านั้น สล็ตอเครดิตฟรี โบนัสฟรี ไม่อั้น โปรโมชั่นให้เลือกเพียบ ! สล็อตมือถือ ปั่นได้ 24 ชั่วโมง สล็อตไม่ต้องทำเทิร์น ถอนได้ไม่อั้น ถอนฟรีไม่มีขั้นต่ำ รองรับทุกธนาคาร.

    ReplyDelete