This company-friendly, quick, flavorful spread is a wonderful appetizer, especially when paired with some fresh, crusty bread and a bowl of marinated olives. The Great Northern (also known as cannellini) is a rich and creamy bean and pairs beautifully with the grassiness from the fresh thyme, the deep, citrusy flavor of the lemon infused olive oil and the acidity from the lemon juice.

Serve the spread with warm pita bread cut into triangles.

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked Great Northern beans
3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons prepared sun-dried tomato puree
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Zest and juice from one lemon

Garnish:
2 tablespoons lemon-infused olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sun-dried tomato puree
Fresh thyme leaves

Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.

2) Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and drizzle the lemon-infused olive oil over the top followed by a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, and a dollop of the sun-dried tomato paste. Serve at room temperature.

Note: You can make this spread ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Allow the spread to come to room temperature before serving.