Hot Cannellini Bean Dip

We are still continuing to celebrate loved ones and having gatherings of family and friends and co-workers. New Year's Eve has become a stay at home for many over the last decade where home parties are celebrated with special cocktails and even more than that good food. From full scale dinners to drinks and hors d'oeuvres ringing in the New Year with friends and family is special.

The glimpse back at the year reflecting our accomplishments or perhaps goals that were not achieved and remembering fondly those who we lost in our lives. We look forward to the New Year with hope that circumstances in our lives will change for the better. The prospect of a new job, continued health or healing along with wanting to change something in our lives to make us a better person for ourselves and for the sake of others.

So with that in mind I thought that I would create an inexpensive and easy dip that you can serve at one of these gatherings. This dip should be served warm with perhaps your favorite crackers. I think you and your guests and family will love this. It's got a little back of the throat kick to it from the cayenne pepper and overall well balanced flavor.

Don't be alarmed at the way the top bakes - the ground cannellini beans form a very thin crust, but underneath is pure silky smooth and creamy dip!

• 2 - 15.5 oz.cans white cannellini beans - rinsed and drained well
• 1 8 oz. bar cream cheese - softened and cut into thirds
• 1/2 cup onion - small dice
• 4-5 garlic cloves - minced
• 1 tbsp. minced fresh sage (or 1 tsp. dried sage)
• 1 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp. regular table salt)
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Prep the onion, garlic and sage leaves.
2. In your food processor add all of the cream cheese, the cannellini beans, the onion, fresh sage and granulated garlic, salt and black pepper.
3. Pulse a few times, then mix until well blended.
4. Using a spatula scrap the sides of the bowl and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. I used a 2 quart glass baking dish.
5. Spread the mixture out evenly.
6. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 25-30 minutes until hot, bubbly and golden brown on the top.

I love this dip and hope you will as well! This did not cost much to put together; approximately $4.07. When I make it again I think I'll try topping with some jalapeno jack cheese to add another dimension of flavor and a cheesy topping.