For Starters…

by Aggies Kitchen on April 13, 2009

For me, there is nothing like starting a get together with some yummy drinks and appetizers.

I’ve made this dip a few times now and it is one of my favorites. I normally toast up some pita wedges for dipping but this time I used up some leftover Garlic & Rosemary Ciabatta Crisps I picked up at Costco. If you find these you must buy them! They are so delicious and perfect for any spreadable cheese or dip.

Giada’s White Bean Dip is like an Italian version of hummus. It’s got such a smooth creamy texture and the lemon and garlic add great flavor. It’s pretty easy to whip up using mostly items you have on hand.

White Bean Dip with Pita Chips
Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis, Everyday Italian and
Food Network

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil, plus 4 tablespoons
1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 pitas
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the beans, garlic, lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, and parsley in the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the bean puree to a small bowl.

Cut each pita in half and then into 8 wedges. Arrange the pita wedges on a large baking sheet. Pour the remaining oil over the pitas. Toss and spread out the wedges evenly. Sprinkle with the oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until toasted and golden in color.

Serve the pita toasts warm or at room temperature alongside the bean puree.

And to make this dip that much better…

Bellinis
Recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen

bottle sparkling wine or champagne
2 cups frozen peaches
1 cup simple syrup (1 cup water : 1 cup sugar)

In blender, puree peaches and simple syrup together. Spoon 2 tablespoons of pureed peach mixture into the bottom of champagne flutes. Carefully top with sparkling wine or champagne. Stir to combine if you desire…or just drink as is with a fruity surprise at the bottom of your glass!

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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }

Sara April 13, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Mmmm, this looks great. I’m a big fan of hummus and this seems very similar. I’ll have to try this out!

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Jenny April 13, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Oh my, this looks incredible Aggie! I want some right now!

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Carrian April 13, 2009 at 10:47 pm

YUM!!! This looks so yummy!! I love having appetizers at home too!

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Liz April 13, 2009 at 11:03 pm

I love this recipe. I made it for Gourmet Group a few years ago and it was a huge hit. Thanks for the reminder that I must make it again soon (maybe as an appetizer for a small dinner party I’m having w/ neighbors on Saturday night)!

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Pam April 13, 2009 at 11:09 pm

YUM! Wish I had a bowl of that dip right now.

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Mary April 13, 2009 at 11:12 pm

This looks so good! I have to try these out.

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Maria April 13, 2009 at 11:32 pm

I have made this before! LOVE IT! I wish I had some now!

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melissa April 13, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Oh thanks for the reminder – I saw her make this on the show while I was on vacation at my mom’s and wanted it. I have everything in the house already and can whip it up tonight. Yay!

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Debbie April 13, 2009 at 11:44 pm

Wow, they both look wonderful. Great combo…I visit Costco way too often!!!

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Erica April 14, 2009 at 12:25 am

OW! I have a street party on Wednesday- I may be bringing this- I just have to make sure I have white beans! Looks awesome!!! I bet your parties are just incredible ;)

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Helene April 14, 2009 at 1:23 am

I’m glad you are talking about this dip because I’ve bookmarked it, couple months ago, and did not make it yet. Now I have to.

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A Feast for the Eyes April 14, 2009 at 2:31 am

I am not very creative with appetizers, but I want to be. This is the perfect start. I cannot bond with hummus, but I’ve been looking for this kind of recipe. Perfect!
Great photos, too.

Thanks!
Debby

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Kerstin April 14, 2009 at 3:05 am

What a yummy looking dip! I’m going to have to look for those Ciabatta Crisps at Costco.

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Passionate Eater April 14, 2009 at 3:47 am

Oh goodness, an Italian version of hummus? I definitely need to “start” trying that recipe with those crisps from Costco. Thank you for the inspiration!

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Sophie April 14, 2009 at 7:38 am

MMMMMMM…thid dip looks divine! I love your champagne drink too, very summery!!

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Kelly Bergsing April 14, 2009 at 11:45 am

that looks wonderful!! I will definitely be trying that this week!!! :)

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Colleen April 14, 2009 at 2:57 pm

What a perfect little snack! And I love those crisps from Costco!

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unconfidentialcook April 14, 2009 at 4:54 pm

I must confess that I buy white bean hummus at Trader Joe’s and it’s v. good…but I bet Giada’s is even better.

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melissa April 14, 2009 at 5:19 pm

I actually did make this last night, so seriously, thanks. It was really tasty and it was also perfect for a submission to someone’s blog event I’ve been struggling to find a dish for. Yesss!!

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Annie April 15, 2009 at 1:45 am

OOh. I have been wanting to try that bean dip of hers… It looks delicious. And those bellini’s, Oh yeah, I’m in :)

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Bridgett April 15, 2009 at 3:32 pm

I absolutely love this dip and make it often to have on hand for snacking with veggies. It is always a huge hit for dinner parties too, which makes life easy!

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lisaiscooking April 15, 2009 at 4:31 pm

I love white bean dip! Now, I’m really hungry for lunch already!

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Mary Ann April 16, 2009 at 3:16 pm

This dip looks so fresh and light. I am definitely going to give it a try. I love starters.

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Suzie April 17, 2009 at 11:08 am

Looks great – and not too wicked either. Your photos are so pretty too.

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Rumela September 23, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Great recipe!! The combination is truly fascinating. white bean dip and pita chips are nutritious and good for health. So twice combination is likely to be tasty and healthy alike. thank you for shearing your post.

Thanks

Rumela
my site

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Tina March 4, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Aggie this dip looks scrumptious. I am in love with the northern beans. I cant wait to try out this recipe.

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Me, Myself & Pie April 7, 2010 at 8:06 pm

I want to eat this RIGHT NOW! I’m obsessed with dips and hummus and this is definitely going to be made at my house soon. Just found your blog. Love it!

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Carol January 18, 2011 at 8:36 pm

Going to make this right now…have everything needed and it will be yummy to take to work tomorrow to share!

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