It’s the summer, a time to entertain, eat, drink, swim, sunbathe, vacation and be very happy. And let’s face it, eating great food makes most people very happy!

If you enjoy strolling through the farmers market like me, always looking for some interesting and delicious vegetables, then I am sure you have also come across this large bean called “Fava Bean.” It looks like a green bean on steroids. If you have never seen one or had the pleasure of eating one, well you are in for a creamy surprise with this recipe!

For those of you who have met me, you already know how much I love to entertain and bring people together. It’s my passion! Ever since I can remember, my family always entertained and I have grown to do the same. What better way than with great food and drinks. But serving a large crowd requires preparation and planning. I always ask my guests if they have any food allergies or dislikes. Nothing like a mad rush to the emergency room because I didn’t ask about a food allergy. (Thank God that has never happened) And I have also come to learn that those friends that say they love everything actually do not. So ask and it will be a success!

Okay, so getting back to the fava bean or known as “broad beans” by the British. This bean is so nutritious. It is an excellent source of protein, so if you are a vegetarian you should incorporate more of these cuties into your daily diet. They also have no saturated fat or cholesterol, great for those with high blood pressure or cholesterol. They contain a high concentration of vitamin B-6, copper, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, selenium, thiamin and zinc. They are also an excellent source for folate. Besides all of these great benefits, they taste so creamy and delicious!

Okay, enough said about the good stuff for you. Serving various tasty toppings on crostini is always a hit with guests. They are individual servings so there is no “double dipping” of anything. This recipe provides a nice, creamy taste that will compliment almost any entree. So I hope you will enjoy !

Fava Bean Crostini

Ingredients: Makes 12 slices

• 2 cups fava beans, cooked and shelled (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 clove garlic, smashed and cut in half
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Salt and Ground Pepper to season
• Loaf of good Italian bread, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation:

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the beans and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain, then peel and discard the tough outer skins.

In a food processor, add the beans, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and thyme and puree the beans with the ingredients. With the machine on, add 1/3 cup of the olive oil in a thin stream and process until smooth. Scrape the fava bean puree into a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Preheat a broiler and brush the bread slices on both sides with the remaining  olive oil. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and broil about 4 inches from the heat for 1 minute per side, or until golden and crisp. Spread the crostini with the fava bean puree and arrange the on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and  serve with lemon wedges.