Christmas and nostalgia seem to go hand in hand. I found this recipe, handwritten on a scrap of paper, tucked in a corner of my recipe file. Anyone who grew up on the North Shore might remember the old Kernwood Restaurant in Lynnfield. This recipe purports to be their signature bean dip.

Ingredients:

large can of baked kidney beans (B&M Baked Kidney Beans)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely minced
1/2 cup sweet relish
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. mustard

Method:

1. Drain and rinse the can of kidney beans.
2. Combine all ingredients.
3. Chill for a few hours to combine flavors.
4. Serve with crackers.