White Bean Dip with a Mint Chaser

Try this excellent white bean dip followed by a refreshing minty treat. You'll need a food processor for the former, but not the latter, and perhaps a glass or two of Cupcake Prosecco to calm your nerves. Cook with your romantic partner tonight. A friend is fine. Anyone with whom you can share what you've made, what you've learned.

-Ingredients-

• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (Cannellini, Great Northern or Navy)
• 2 cloves garlic 
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
• 1/3 cup (+ 4 tbsp.) olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves

Blend in a food processor to your desired consistency. Pairs nicely with toasted pita. Or, you can slather it on a veggie burger. Really, however you'd like it. Salt and pepper are probably in order. 

Due to the garlic, you may find yourself looking for a breath freshener. If your toothbrush isn't within reach, perhaps your Listerine Strips have fallen through a hole in your pocket. Look around!

One of the key ingredients in these bad boys isn't plastic, as it is in some chewing gums. It's actually pullulan, a fancy word for fungus slime. That's right, you heard me. Fungus slime. 

This is a tough pill to swallow. Earlier in the day I'd wanted to impart an appreciation for mushrooms (also fungi), but this one just throws me for a loop. 

After all these years of loyalty, I'm now completely suspicious of these breath fresheners, and you should be, too. I'm really sorry I had to tell you this now. But, please. Do try that white bean dip. There's nothing scandalous about it.