FOODIE FRIDAY! ::: Jalapeno & Goat Cheese White Bean Dip with Cilantro and Lime EOs

Perfectly paired with goat cheese, spicy jalapenos, and hearty beans, this dip is full of terrific taste and healthy ingredients. Serve with veggies or bread for a cunning combination your guests will be howling for.

Jalapeno & Goat Cheese White Bean Dip with Cilantro and Lime EOs

2 cans white kidney beans
1-2 jalapenos, depending on your preferred spice level
2-ounce plain goat cheese
1 toothpick Cilantro essential oil
1-3 drops Lime essential oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp honey
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1-3 tbsp water for desired consistency

Directions

Preheat oven to broil (500°F).

Place jalapenos on a baking sheet and rub with olive oil. Roast peppers under the broiler until jalapeno skin is blistered and blackened (about 5-10 minutes). Turn them with a pair of tongs periodically to ensure all sides are equally done. Once done, pull jalapenos from the oven with a pair of tongs and place in a covered bowl. This allows the skin to steam and loosen. Remove skins (they will peel off), tops, and seeds, then roughly chop.

Place all ingredients, except Cilantro essential oil and olive oil, into the bowl of a food processor.

Pulse 5-6 times. Add a toothpick of Cilantro essential oil by dipping the toothpick into the oil and then swirling it into the dip.

Pulse 10-15 times adding small amounts of olive oil until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust any seasonings to your liking. Store in the refrigerator but serve at room temperature with garlic crostini, veggies, whole grain chips, or pita slices.

Health Highlights:

* White Kidney Beans- These legumes are filled with antioxidants that can help fight off certain types of cancer, heart disease, and other degenerative diseases. A one cup serving of white kidney beans contains almost half of your recommended daily fiber needs. (1)

* Jalapenos- Capsaicin is the substance in jalapenos that gives it its kick. Additionally, capsaicin can also help raise your metabolism and diminish your appetite, which can aid in weight loss. (2)

* Goat Cheese- This type of cheese has significantly less sodium than most cheeses. Switching to goat cheese can help reduce the risks associated with high sodium diets such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. (3)

1 //healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-white-kidney-beans-4420.html; //www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/white-beans-navy.php

2 //www.livestrong.com/article/409721-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-jalapeno-peppers/

3 //www.livestrong.com/article/402645-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-eating-goat-cheese/