Dani Spies

I wanted to make a simple and festive dip to put out as an appetizer for some friends last night but I didn't want to run out to the store for any last minute ingredients (I know you all know the feeling). This recipe is pretty much a spin-off of my White Bean and Rosemary Dip, minus the rosemary and add some dried cranberries and thyme.

I thought it would be fun to share the thought process that took place behind creating this simple little dip. It went something like this:

Hmmm, I wish I had fresh cranberries to add to the dressing for my salad (a family friend told me about a recipe over x-mas where you put some fresh cranberries in the food processor and then build a basic vinagrette. I haven't tried it yet, but can't wait to.).

Maybe I'll run to the store and get some cranberries and pick up some hummus too for an appetizer.

Yeah, but I already went to two grocery stores today and spent plenty of money on lots of d'lishes foods, do I really need to buy more? Can't I just get creative with what I've got?!

I know... I'll skip the dressing (stick to a basic vinegrette) and make some home made hummus. It only takes five minutes and that will be fun!

(Checks pantry) No garbanzo beans! But I have Cannelini beans:). Maybe I'll make my White Bean and Rosemary Dip. Oh, but I don't have any rosemary!

I can't seem to kick this cranberry thing... i really want to use cranberries in something. Hmmm, do I have any in the freezer? (Check the freezer.) Nope.

Oh wait! I have dried cranberries... perfect! I'll add them to my salad, maybe. But maybe not b/c I wanted to do someting more fun with them, something more creative!

(Check fridge) Fresh Thyme! Cool. I'll swap in some thyme for the rosemary and make a White Bean and Thyme Dip.... why not?!

And that's when it happened... dried cranberies on the counter looking straight at me and my dip! They were prectically begging to join the party.

So I thought, hey why not... sweet, savory, salty... I think this could work. So I chopped up some dried cranberries and added them to the mix. And I have to say, I loved it.

The cranberries not only add a really beautiful visual appeal making this the perfect holiday appetizer, but they add a great texture and subtle sweet suprise to every bite. If you're a fan of "sweet & savory" flavors together, I think you'll really like this dip!

And that my friends is how my brain works!!

Okay, different topic...

I am working on some new videos for the new year and was wondering if there are any How-To's you would like to see?! I've got a few things in mind, but thought I should ask you first! Let me know what you think!!

Oh and I wanted to wish you all a belated Happy Holidays and an early Happy New Years!!