Charleston Low Country Kickin’ Pimento Cheese

 

Ingredients

8oz block jalapeño Jack

8 oz block white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Large jar diced pimento

Good Mayo (I use Dukes) 

 

Directions

•        Cut cheeses into cubes and put into bowl of food processor.
•        Using regular blade (you can also hand grate or use grater blade on processor), Turn on low or pulse 
•        until uniformly grated.
•        Transfer medium size mixing bowl.
•        Stir in about ¾ cup mayo and ¾ jar of diced pimentos. 
•        Mix well and adjust quantities of both mayo and pimento to taste.
•        My family likes more heat so I often add a little cayenne now - bear in mind that it gets hotter as it sits and the flavors meld.
•        Chill for a couple of hours and serve with crackers or celery sticks.

 

PS - don’t use packaged shredded cheese, it has a coating which affects texture.

 

PPS - all steps can be done with a food processor but it becomes more of a smooth paste-like spread, not the authentic lumpy consistency you want.

 

 

Carol Campbell