Pimento Cheese

The sound of that probably conjures up memories of the gross slimy day-glo stuff you find in the store...yuck!

One day I was trying to figure what to feed us all for lunch and had decided on sandwiches. When Nathan stealthy pointed out that it is Friday and ham sandwiches would not work because we are trying to be meatless on Friday, which so far has been a real challenge. In an effort to avoid the oven and stove on this particular hot steamy day I decided to make up a quick batch of pimento cheese. It is quick, and simple, and as I am making it I begin to wonder why we don't make it more often, also a simple dish for the kids to help with to practice kitchen skills.

Here is my version:

Pimento Cheese:

2 oz. cream cheese(room temp for easy mixing)

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/3 cup grated parmesan

1/2 cup mayonnaise(or more if it seems dry)

1/4 cup pimentos(if they seem big place them on a cutting board and mince them a bit)

2 tablespoons onion chopped extra fine

1-2 cloves of garlic smashed and chopped extra fine

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Let is sit for a couple of hours(if you can wait) in the refrigerator for the flavors to come together. Try making it with other ingredients, different cheeses and add-ins. There are so many ways to make it. Make up your own family version.

This is a very versatile spread. You can use it on so many things, crackers, sandwiches, celery and other vegetables, toasted on an open face sandwich, hamburger or baked potato topping ...just use your imagination.

When you make it yourself, you know what you are eating.