Healthy Feta Dill Dip for Your Holiday Party

You may have noticed...we are in the midst of the holiday party season. You might find yourself requested to bring a dish to pass, as I was recently, and want to choose something healthful.  Let's look beyond the cheese platter and cold cuts. Not sure what people would like? I'm here to help. Over the past weekend, Bay Athletic Club had their annual Holiday party and the managers were asked to bring an appetizer. I wanted to re-create a wonderful appetizer that I saw at a party the day before, but didn't feel cream cheese and sour cream were fitting for the healthy vibe of our party. Inspiration! I love working with butter beans and created a healthier hummus earlier this year using them, so why wouldn't they work for another cold dip or spread? Answer? They did. The appetizer was a hit and almost as popular as Sarah Morrison's guacamole. Perhaps we can get her to guest author on a Wake Up Your Palate soon. This recipe is easy, fresh and healthful. I hope your guests enjoy it as much as you love the ease in making it. Enjoy!  Butter Bean, Feta, Greek Yogurt and Dill Party Dip -1 can butter beans, drained -4 oz. Feta Cheese -½ cup Greek Yogurt (Recommend Faye brand) -3 TBSP. fresh dill, chopped -1 tsp. salt -1 tsp. ground black pepper Serve with 1 whole sliced cucumber and ½ loaf of crusty bread Special Equipment: Food Processor or Blender   In a food processor or blender jar, layer the drained butter beans, feta cheese,  dill, Greek yogurt, salt and pepper. Pulse 5 times to stir and then process on a low speed until the mixture is homogenous. The mixture might not be perfectly smooth, this is normal. Let it cool and solidify in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (make ahead covered  up to 3 days).  Before the guests arrive, peel and slice your cucumber and bread and spread 1 tsp. of dip on each cucumber slice. Put the rest of the dip into a festive container, place on a platter and spread the bread  around the perimeter.  Kelly Bowlin