Dishin’ With Debbie-Homemade Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a staple in many southern kitchens.  And although it is considered a delicacy at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, every April, you can buy a sandwich there for less than $2.00.  Here is my version with a little twist that created a happy accident when I wasn't able to find pimentos in my grocery store.  

Ingredients:

16 ounces cheddar cheese

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayo

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more if you like it spicy)

4 ounce jar pimentos (My twist is replacing pimentos with piquante peppers you find at the olive bar near the deli in the grocery store.  They are a little sweet, with a slight hint of spice.  You may also find them in a jar on the shelves near the olives or pickles and relish.  Peppadew is one of the brands.  I really do prefer them to pimentos.  Give 'em a try!)

Directions:

Using a hand mixer, whip the softened cream cheese.  Grate the cheddar cheese.  Mix in the grated cheese with the whipped cream cheese.  Add the spices in with the mayo.  Stir the mayo mixture in with the cheeses.  If using peppers rather than pimentos, chop them and combine with the rest of the mixture.  Otherwise, just add the jar of pimentos in with the cheeses and mayo.  Enjoy on your favorite bread for a sandwich or as an appetizer with crackers or celery.  And, it's fantastic stuffed inside any piquante peppers you may have leftover.  Consider them "Piquante Poppers!"