For golf and the State of Georgia, the Masters Golf Tournament is the sport's crowning glory.... Modestly stated by a lifelong Georgian and non-golfer. For days ahead of the Master's, my Facebook page was flooded with photos and comments about... No, not golf... But the fantastic pimento cheese on white bread sandwiches available at the Augusta National. I was surprised to read from an Instagram/blogger friend that pimento cheese is difficult to find "up North." Not wanting Jen or anyone to be without this delicious sandwich makings.. I am sharing my recipe. Mama made pimento cheese, but I am sure hers was without garlic or spices. She was a salt and pepper girl. Mama did, however, cut celery into 3" or so lengths and fill with pimento cheese. They looked like little canoes filled with cheesy goodness! Its creamy gloriousness was not confined to sandwiches or crackers. So here you go... Give it a try. If you are a cheese lover, I do not think you will be disappointed.
Pimento Cheese
You'll need:
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (I have also used Havarti Cheese... Very good!)
1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 t. garlic powder... This is not a low sodium recipe)
1 teaspoon Nature's Seasons (You can use just salt, but I like the combination of salt, pepper, and spices in this product)
1 4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained (You can also run these through the food processor if you want less noticeable pieces of pimento.)
1 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann's or Duke's is best for PC and potato salad ... But that's just a Southern Thing!)
I begin by putting cream cheese in large microwaveable bowl then sprinkle the seasoning over the cream cheese and warm slightly in the microwave.. 30 - 40 seconds... Long enough that you should be able to enjoy the aroma of cheese and spices! This step is totally unnecessary, but I do it anyway. For some reason I think it enhances the flavor. Now, you see why I do NOT do a food blog!
Add cheddar cheese, pimento, and mayo. Mix well. Taste... Add more seasonings as desired. Enjoy immediately with your choice of bread... However, I must say that just plain old white bread is a favorite... Toasted or not. Please cut your sandwich diagonally for added triangular pleasure. Also good with crackers or celery. Cover and refrigerate pimento cheese.. Stays fresh for at least a week.
So... Spring is in full swing here...often wafting to Summer! Much to anticipate here... The retirement Magnolia has dozens of buds, the long awaited peonies are taking turns opening one a day, sunflower, zinnia, gourd seedlings are ready for transplanting, and the amaryllis are putting on a show. Hope all is well in your world!
Well, bless their heart! The New York Times is writing about my beloved Duke's Mayonnaise! Read all about it here:
Duke's and The New York Times
