One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
~ Henry Miller
Hello bloggers!
I am rather excited to report that I made it through another few days of (fun) work travel and am home safe and sound!
It has been a busy little spring here (for me and my little trips) and I am quite content to put my feet up for the next little while and rest until the ‘big trip’ comes around in August.
I wish I could report that the weather was swell here at home, but the truth is it is just so-so (it’s sunny out as I write though!).
So while I pine for (just a little) sun, I’ll share with you this yummy dip that we’ve been enjoying, most recently on our Mother’s Day picnic (yes…a sunny warm meal outdoors!) *sigh*…
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
~ Marthe Troly-Curtin
As you all may know, I enjoy finding many a use for green veggies like kale, and this dip offers another chance to use up this powerfully nutritious green.
Along with fresh herbs, the easy to use and ever tasty artichokes, and (always) good quality olive oil, lemon, garlic, and (just a little) of your love – this 100% vegan dip is an elegantly pleasant surprise!
So if you’ve got a bag of dried white kidneys, or a can or two hanging around the pantry, this is a fabulous way to enjoy their creamy texture and taste that serves as a base for many a lively addition.
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
~ Dalai Lama XIV
The Less:
Less dairy-based dips means more plant-based clean eating. Less store bought or prepared foods means more fresh easy ingredients. Fewer ruts in your repertoire means things will always stay fresh, and what’s better than freshness in life?
The More:
More high fiber bean dishes means more tasty ways to fill up faster. More fresh greens to incorporate means more reasons to always stock them. More fresh dips on hand means less tempting for calories elsewhere, so you can enjoy more of the good stuff, more often.
White Kidney Bean Dip with Herbs & Artichokes:
- (3) cups cooked white kidney beans (navy beans will do in a pinch)
- (1/2) cup cashews, soaked in water for 4 hours (you can also use them straight up)
- (1) can artichokes (398 ml, about 5 each)
- (1) cup chopped green curly kale
- (1/2) cup fresh lemon juice
- (1/2) cup good quality olive oil
- (2-3) cloves of fresh garlic, peeled & roughly chopped
- (3) heaping teaspoons capers
- (1) tbsp fresh rosemary leaves removes from the stem & chopped (about 2-3 stems)
- (2) tbsp fresh thyme leaves, removed from the stem
- (1) tsp salt (more to taste)
Combine all ingredients on a blender or food processor, and pulse blend until creamy and well combined. You can’t over blend this one so let is really go!
Once ready, transfer to a container or serving bowl and chill. This tangy dip will keep for a while in the fridge, at least a week, and goes well with all breads, crackers, and fresh crisp vegetables (it’s super delicious with crisp romaine leaves).
This recipe makes a generous portion, so if you aren’t feeding a large group, or don’t want to eat it all week, consider halving the recipe.
If you do make the whole thing – plan to eat this for a few days! The nice thing is there are so many ways…..and it is pretty yummy 
If you have trouble peeling garlic, here is a good little tip (I am sure many of you do this already):
Start with good garlic. But organic if you can and local garlic is even better. Separate the cloves you need from the bulb.
Using a sharp knife, place the side of the knife on top of the garlic clove you are about to peel. Using all of your weight, push down on the knife and the garlic and crush the clove with the side of the heavy knife blade.
The peel will slip right off! Voila!
Of course I served this a few times in the last while for guests, and on this gloriously sunny picnic.
It’s also superb on warm toast with tomato.
The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up.
~ Mark Twain
However you choose to enjoy it, I suspect this will be a hit!
Even the hubby liked it and kept going back for more. I didn’t tell him it was full of kale or capers..because there really was no need
Where there is love there is life.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
I hope you enjoy this one as much as we did!
- What is your favorite summer dip?
- Do you ever use white kidney beans?
Next up, I’ll share with you all (as promised!) the progress we’ve made on our plans for NSF…we are working on a menu for a special event coming up and getting ready to roll out our new look!
Carla and Chris started something special with their 40 day fast, and I am grateful for their efforts and contribution – I hope you will be as pleased to meet them as I am to know them.
Have a fabulous week my friends – I am wondering if anyone got inspired to purge their closet from the last post? I loved all of your comments…and am so glad to hear I am not the only one out there who is benefiting from letting go!
We would love to hear from you, and hope you are all having a swell week, wherever you are, and no matter the weather
Yours in Less,
