A few years ago, a good friend of mine and I decided to surprise our husbands with a grilling cooking class at this culinary shop in the city to celebrate their birthdays. It seemed like such a fun gift…some education on how to grill (yes, it would benefit me as well, but it would be the gift that would keep on giving…), a good time with each other, some great food and an enjoyable time overall.
Enter in a surprise.
A German Beer Festival was taking place in the exact place that our quaint little cooking class was happening.
Right there.
Like, stepping over drunk people to get in the door to buy some cute cooking tools vicinity.
My friend Jill and I didn’t let it damper our day. We oohed and ahhed when we were led out onto their adorable little patio where the class was to be held. We smiled as we learned how to baste ribs. We nodded our heads in surprise at the delicious taste of the cole slaw. We swooned over the delicious grilled shrimp. We were having a great time.
Our husbands tried. They tried really hard.
Unfortunately, the beer festival going on outside the gates of the patio was the ultimate distraction for the men. They swapped stories about beer, wondered what they would find outside the gates, and eagerly anticipated the tastes they would soon experience.
The cooking class left behind us, let’s just say Jill and I ended up eating some ice cream at Cold Stone while our husbands got the birthday they really wanted sampling (A LOT) of beer at a beer festival instead of learning how to grill (for their wives).
Well we tried Jill, we tried.
Besides getting to spend some hilarious time with one of my best friends while our husbands whooped it up, the other amazing thing that came out of this afternoon was the bean dip.
Yes, you heard me right.
The. Bean. Dip.
Heavenly.
I really never thought I would use that word to describe anything that had the word “bean” in it. I mean it is just a bean dip, but I can assure you…it is not just any bean dip! It is the best bean dip you will ever have.I played around with the recipe a bit, and it actually became even better. I didn’t think it was possible, but it happened.
The smoky flavor, the creamy texture and the heartiness of the dip, make the perfect summer appetizer with some crunchy chips.
Even without a beer festival.
Smoky Bean Dip
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tsp dried minced onion
1/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Tortilla chips or fresh cut veggies for serving
In a food processor, combine beans, sour cream, garlic clove, barbecue sauce, salt and paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Chill for one hour. Serve with chips and veggies.
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