Bittman's White Bean Dip on Turkish-Style Pita Bread

Thank you all for coming.

Now if everyone could please take their seats. That would be. Well. Mandatory. But nice. It would also be nice.
Please silence all electronic devices that may or may not make noise during this presentation.

Including, but not limited to: cell phones, pagers, iPods, iPads, mP3 players, Discmans (way to date yourself, Jo. Good job.), baby monitors and small children.

Silence. Not vibrate.

I know you think it is really critical for you to receive and respond to every email or text message that enters your inbox at any given moment. Or to hear your three month old crying in the next room. But both can wait. (I'm a firm believer in the tough love method of parenting. In conjunction with the send your child to live with your mother method. Both of which are Dr. Spock-approved. And negate the need for your to hear your child's every gurgle. Trust me. Turn that thing off.)

Be strong. You can do it.
In case of an emergency walk, don't run to the nearest emergency exit.

In fact. Take some time right now to locate the nearest emergency exit.

Okay never mind. There are no emergency exits. We're in this for the long haul. For better or worse.

So in the case of an emergency. We are going to sit down on the floor in a huge circle, hold hands, and sway back and forth while singing Kumbaya.

Followed up by the Black-Eyed Peas' I've Got A Feeling. The power of positive thinking, people! Plus I just really like that song.
Remember to keep your hands and feet inside the moving vehicle at all times.

And buckle up. It's the law.

What? Um. Wrong public service announcement. But good advice nonetheless.

Also. While we're at it. Wear sunscreen. And don't take candy from strangers. Or, better yet, take the candy. And run. Then somehow find a way to turn it into a made-for-tv-movie about your life. Or a made-for-tv-blog post.

At least. That's what I would do.
Speaking of which. Did I mention that it was movie night here in the Bruno household? (And by movie night I mean watch-chick-flicks-using-your-friend-Justin's-Netflix-account-that-he-has-forgotten-he's-given-you-his-password-to night.)

And do you know what movie night calls for? Snack food. Something you can put in a bowl and then shove into your mouth by the handful.

Popcorn. Nachos. Potato chips.

White bean dip and homemade pita bread.

Don't judge. One bite of this dip, which is creamy and so beautifully spiced that you just. Can't. Stop. Eating it. And you'll be going at it with your hands too. Or a really big spoon. I promise.

Oh and the homemade pitas are pretty damn good too. Just saying.

White Bean Dip
Makes about 2 cups, adapted from How To Cook Everything

2 cups cooked white beans
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground ginger
salt and pepper, to taste

Combine the beans with olive oil, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger in a food processor, and blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

With this, I made the Turkish-Style Pita Bread from HBinFive. And some sweet potatoes. For dipping. But I think it would also be delicious with any other raw vegetable or chip that you want to dip into it. Or on a sandwich. Whatever floats your boat.

This is my submission to IHCC, the theme of which is Movie Night!

It will also be posted on the HBinFive round-up on Big Black Dog on the 15th!

And it has been yeastspotted!

Reminder! Regional Recipes: Vietnam!