... White Bean and Thyme Crostini

Now here's a tasty little snacker that takes just minutes to whip up and was the perfect accompaniment to dinner with the sisters.

The warm white bean and garlic mixture was perfect on top of a crusty french baguette and the fresh thyme was so fragrant you could hardly wait to take a bite.


White Bean and Thyme Crostini
serves 4 (2 slices each)

1 French baguette
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/3 cup cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

Arrange 8 (1/4-inch thick) baguette slices on a baking sheet; brush with 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil.  Bake at 475 degrees for 4 minutes or until golden.

Saute minced garlic in remaining 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Stir in cannellini beans, salt, and pepper; mash with a fork.  Add 1 tablespoon warm water and fresh lemon juice.

Spread 1 teaspoon on each baguette slice; sprinkle evenly with fresh thyme leaves.

Taylor's Notes:
I think this is definitely one I'll keep on hand.  It was perfect for my small get together, but would be a perfect dish to make for a larger party since it has such few ingredients and is so easy to make.


Again, I think I may be getting the hang of this cooking thing having just eyeballed the amounts of ingredients and actually sauteed the garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil rather than 2 teaspoons.  The end result came out just fine and I liked that it was a little creamier due to the extra oil.    


The fresh thyme is a must - don't skimp and buy the dried stuff.  The fragrance and extra flavor that it gives are definitely worth the extra trip to the store.


Enjoy!