SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE SPREAD

Pimentos are roasted and diced cherry peppers, which are a variety of the small, red, heart-shaped chile peppers. To save time, buy a jar of pimentos for this recipe. My Tennessee born mother always had a container of pimento cheese in her refrigerator. Pimento cheese is very popular in Southern cuisine and is affectionately called "Caviar of the South". Grate your cheese with a box grater or to save time, buy shredded cheese.

1 4-oz jar sliced pimentos

2 cups grated extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, grated

4 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup mayonnaise, Hellman's or Duke's

1 t finely grated sweet onion

½ t Worcestershire sauce

½ t smoked paprika

½ t lemon juice
½ t dry mustard

1 t fine ground black pepper

Drain the jars of pimentos through a mesh strainer and then place on a cutting board and roughly chop.

Place the grated cheeses in a medium bowl.

In a smaller bowl, stir together the drained pimentos, mayonnaise, grated onion, Worcestershire, paprika, lemon juice, dry mustard, and black pepper.
Fold the mayonnaise mixture into the grated cheeses until well combined.

Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with butter crackers and or sticks of celery, and carrots.  Serve with a spoon and small dishes for each guest. 

Or, my favorite way is to make tea sandwiches.

Makes about 3 cups