Tuesday

quick & easy


everyone needs a few simple but beautiful go-to appetizers to throw together at the last minute. or a little something to nibble on with a nice glass of sauvignon blanc when 5 o'clock rolls around. these are two snacks we've been making lately. the white bean dip is a nice change from hummus, which we love but eat way too often. it's always a good idea to have a few cans of cannellini or garbanzo beans in the pantry for just such an occasion! mixed olives are so easy and available everywhere and this is a nice way to make them a little more unique. enjoy!

Marinated Olives

10 oz mixed olives in brine
4 kumquats or 1 small tangerine, sliced
4 sprigs rosemary
1/2 cup olive oil
drain olives reserving a few tablespoons of brine. in a small bowl, mix olives with sliced kumquats, rosemary and olive oil. refrigerate for 2-6 hours and bring to room temperature before serving.

White Bean Dip

15 oz cannellini (white kidney beans), drained
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tbs chopped fresh parsley
2 tbs white balsamic vinegar
1/8 cup olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
in a food processor, combine beans, garlic, lemon juice, green onions, parsley and vinegar and pulse to chop. with processor running, slowly add olive oil and puree until smooth and creamy. adjust seasoning with salt & pepper to taste. serve with assorted vegetables and crackers for dipping!

8 comments:

Jhoanna Herrera said...

hmmmm yum! You have made me so hungry with these pictures. Can't wait to try out the recipes. I think i will start with carrot cup cakes. yummmy

Catherine said...

The white bean dip looks delicious. Easy appetizers make any evening better. Mmmm, I'm already tasting my glass of white wine.

Jen said...

Very charmed by your inclusion of kumquats in the olive mix---such a fanciful twist.

Jenae said...

yum! I am going to the store right now so I can have a sauv blanc, bean dip and olive night. thanks, andy and carrie!

Hilary said...

Just wanted to say that I enjoy your blog. Lovely photos, lovely recipes :)

Josephine Tournier Ingram said...

what a great idea for a dip! looking forward to trying it. :)

Claudia said...

I make similar - but you have some added fun. Love the dip and couldn't be easier. I am a great appreciater ofease! And all so pretty.

Anonymous said...

Love me some white bean dip. I just made some recently and it was quick, cheap and a big hit. I also put some pitas in the oven drizzled w evo and herbs de provence and cut them into chips.