White Bean Dip

Though I'm fairly certain that no one could ever get tired of pizza dip, sometimes I feel the need to change it up a note. And while I could live the rest of my days on potato chips and onion dip alone (yup, the kind from the packet that gets mixed with sour cream...so simple, yet so delightful), I didn't think that would be quite enough for an afternoon/evening of debauchery with some of our closest friends. So I consulted Giada DeLaurentiis' Everyday Italian cookbook to add a little va-va-voom to my Kentucky Derby party (and Shaun's birthday party). Looking for something easy yet packed with flavor, I came upon Giada's White Bean Dip. Loaded with natural flavors like lemon, parsley and garlic, this dip is super simple and delicious to boot.

White Bean Dip
*Adapted from Everyday Italian
1 15oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 C + 1 tsp fresh flat leaf parsley
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1 garlic clove
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 C olive oil

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the beans, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until it's coarsely chopped. Turn the food processor to ON. While it's running, slowly add the olive oil through the top opening and mix until creamy. Serve in a cute dip bowl and garnish with parsley. Enjoy it with crackers, pita chips or corn chips.

So what do you think? Could this be any easier? And isn't it a great dip to whip up at the last minute?

Psst...did you miss part one of Derby fun? Check out my Mint Julep Brownies...

Game Day Eats: Ultimate Pizza Dip

You may or may not know about my fascination with pizza. From Pizza Fridays at work to ordering it once a week for dinner (though still searching for the perfect slice in Hoboken or Jersey City... recommendations welcome!) it seems like that would be enough. That is until I stumbled upon a life-changing recipe. This recipe has become a serious staple on our weekly football-watching Sundays and it's sure to make a major appearance on Superbowl Sunday. It's the Ultimate Pizza Dip - delicious and a crowd-pleaser to boot.

Ultimate Pizza Dip

1 pkg cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)

1 8oz can Red Pack tomato sauce

1 medium onion, diced

Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Pepperoni (I use the turkey kind)

Black olives (if you'd like)

Dried oregano & basil

Tostitos

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Spread cream cheese in bottom of 9 inch pie plate

Pour tomato sauce over cream cheese

Sprinkle with basil & oregano (to your taste)

Sprinkle diced onion over seasoned sauce layer

Sprinkle cheese over top (generously!!)

Add whole pepperoni slices and black olives(if using...I didn't) on top

Bake for 20-25 minutes uncovered until cheese is brown and bubbly and looks like this...

Serve with Tostitos.

*For another twist add bell peppers or red pepper flakes

So what do you think? What are you doing, and subsequently eating, on Superbowl Sunday?

If you missed Part I of Game Day Eats, check out Roasted Garlic and Goat Cheese Crostini.

Game Day Eats: Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese Crostini

I don't know about you, but I'm still on a high from the Jets big win this weekend. Not only were the Jets - Chargers the highlight game of the weekend (let's face it, the other games were doozies), but it solidified New York representin' in the final playoff game (the winners of which head off to the Superbowl on February 7). Though I'm a born 'n bred Giants fan, I still fulfill my wifely (and local citizenly) duties by rooting for the Jets since they are Shaun's number one team. And since the Giants just couldn't make the cut this year, Shaun and I can both bask in New York wins with the Jets. When I first started watching football a few years ago, one of my favorite aspects of game day quickly became (what else?) the food. I mean, really, is there anything better than curling up on the couch in your favorite jersey (mine is now a toss up between my Jacobs and Boss tee's) or hitting your favorite bar for a frosty mug of brew and a basket of wings? I think not.

In honor of the upcoming biggest game day of the year, the Superbowl, we're dishing up some fun and fabulous (and super easy!) game day eats. First up is Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese Crostini. Not only is it easy and delicious, it's chic and pretty to boot. Check it out...

Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese Crostini

2 heads garlic

4 oz herb goat cheese

1 baguette

1 tbsp butter

cooking spray

olive oil

kosher salt

pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

To make the crostini:

Slice baguette into thin slices on a diagonal.

Place on a foil-lined baking sheet (yep, this will make clean up a snap), drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 7 minutes then turn the bread and bake 5 minutes more. This simple technique turns simple bread into crostini (which sounds so much fancier, doesn't it?). 

To roast the garlic:

Slice off the top part of the garlic - not the wide bottom, but the thin top so that the garlic cloves are exposed inside the peel.

Place 1/2 tbsp pat of butter on top of each head of garlic. Place buttered garlic face down in a small baking dish coated with cooking spray - I use a sweet little ramekin which is just big enough to hold two heads of garlic. Cover with aluminum foil and roast until garlic is browned and soft, about 30 minutes.

To serve:

Spread goat cheese on crostini. Dig out a garlic clove and spread on top of the goat cheese. Enjoy and be prepared for lots of ahhh's and mmmm's.