Whipped White Beans and Garlic

• 4 cups cooked white beans, drained
• 3 cloves of sliced garlic
• 1 teaspoon margarine
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine the beans and enough water to cover them in a heavy saucepan, (at least 2 quarts) with a lid.  Bring to a boil over a high heat and cook 5 to 10 minutes, until the beans are thoroughly heated, and very soft.  Drain them very well, and return them to the saucepan.

Sauté the garlic in the margarine in a small skillet over low heat until it begins to brown.  This should take about 5 minutes.  Turn off the heat and stir in the 1/4 cup of milk

Add the milk and garlic mixture to the cooked beans. Mixing with a hand held electric beater, whip the beans thoroughly until pureed, but not yet smooth. Add more milk if necessary.  Stir in the salt and pepper, taste, and adjust the seasoning.

• Yields: 4 servings
• Preparation Time: less than half an hour.