This dip is really easy and quick and delicious, but I have to warn you that the ingredients you choose are very, very important. I used a different kind of almonds and a different kind of tomatoes last time and I ruined the batch. OK, maybe not ruined, but I was hosting a dinner party and hoping for the wow factor and I was disappointed. No one else seemed to notice, but I knew that it could have been better. Here is the recipe for the perfect version. I think this makes a great appetizer because everyone has salsa or hummus or french onion dip and this is a little bit different from the norm but still has familiar and delicious flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c roasted, salted almonds (I use 365 Whole Foods store brand because they are my favorite and they have a lot of flavor. The second time I used Trader Joe’s dry roasted almonds and they are completely different and have no place in this recipe.)
• 2 c great northern beans (homemade or from a can)
• 1/2 c sundried tomatoes packed in a jar with oil (I used Trader Joe’s brand and a jar I got a Whole Foods and they were both good. The BAD time, I used dry, sundried tomatoes and soaked them in water and it produced a very bland, flat taste. DON’T DO IT!)
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic (you can use fresh but to save time, I use the kind in a jar
• some salt to taste

How to:

1. Add the almonds to your food processor and mix for about 30-60 seconds.
2. Add all other ingredients except for the salt and mix for about 2 minutes. Add a little bit of water or extra oil from the tomato jar if you need a smoother consistency.
3. I know that it drives me nuts to see people with ingredients without an amount and they just say “to taste”. I’m so sorry to do it here, but I have no choice. Your almonds may have a varying amount of salt so it’s tough to judge. You’ll just have to taste it when it’s done and see if you need to add a little at the end. After you add some, use the food processor to mix.
4. Serve with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots as a wonderful way to get more veggies or serve with crackers. I think this is particularly tasty with broccoli.

Let me know of other kinds of dips that you make for dinner party appetizers! I’m always looking for new ideas!