Forking Up

So, here's the recipe I wanted to get up here before the holidays, because it makes an excellent side dish or appetizer, and it's super easy to put together! Aside from the pimentos, I typically have all these things in the house, too.




Anyways. Pimento cheese was something totally new to me, as a New Englander. When I first tested this recipe, I simply threw in the ingredients I found on the Wikipedia page (yes, pimento spread has it's own Wikipedia page) and hoped for the best. It was tasty... but did it pass the test? I brought in the results to my coworkers and my desk-mate, a true Texan, said it was the best Pimento cheese he's ever had!


So I guess I did it right the first time ;)

As I said, this is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Add a bit more mayo and cream cheese to make a dip, or a bit more cheese to make a cheeseball, or leave as-is for a spreadable cracker snack. The possibilities are truly endless!

Pimento Cheese Spread
(Adapted loosely from Wikipedia)

• 1 8oz bag sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 8oz bag colby jack cheese
• 1 oz brick cream cheese (I used neufchantel)
• 2/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 4oz jar pimento peppers, drained and diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced small
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

*keep a bit extra cheddar cheese on hand in case cheese mixture gets too soft*

-In a stand mixer fixed with a paddle attachment, combine all ingredients. Stir until well combined, adding more cheese or mayo to desired consistency (I like mine with a bit more cheese). Taste, adding more seasonings as desired

• 1.5 oz vodka
• .5 oz fresh lime juice
• .5 oz cranberry simple syrup (see below)
• 1/2 cup ginger beer
• ice
• lime wedge, for garnish

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 tbsp orange zest