Creamy Pimento Cheese

Do you like pimento cheese?....not that toxic orange stuff you find in the grocery store....we mean REAL pimento cheese...like the kind your Aunt Rosabell used to bring to the family reunions? The kind that true southern belles call "pumenah." The exact history of pimento cheese is unclear, however, the small, red, heart-shaped pepper was imported from Spain until around 1908 when it took root to become a successful crop in Experiment, Georgia. Therefore, many believe that this creamy delicacy made its debut in Georgia and became very popular all across the south. Why wouldn't it be popular? It's easy to make, it's cheap, and it tastes great! It's even earned national exposure as one of the more popular sandwiches at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Now, enough with the history lesson, let's make some Pimento Cheese!

What you will need:
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese
4 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
2/3 cup mayonnaise
A dash of garlic powder
2 (4 ounce) jars diced pimientos - or 1 (8 ounce) jar if you can find it

What you need to do:
Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is creamy. Add the cheddar cheese and continue mixing until it is light and fluffy.

Next, beat in the mayonnaise and garlic powder.

Stir in the diced pimento peppers.

Put the mixture in your most "southern" serving platter. Cover and chill for at least one hour.

See...there's no need to buy that processed orange goo the supermarkets want you to believe is pimento cheese. If you're looking for something a bit lighter use reduced fat cheese and mayo. This one is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

We'll see ya'll later. Say hi to ya mama 'n 'em!