Pimento Cheese

This is what Brent asked for last year for his birthday present.  No tools, no hunting gear, just a double batch of pimento cheese and some center cut bacon on the side.  It is THAT good, people!

And it's really easy to make.  It requires no food processor or equipment, other than an oven and a cheese grater.   This pimento cheese is perfect on crackers as an appetizer or snack, or you can use it to make AWESOME sandwiches.  This recipe makes a small batch, so you may want to double it.  It goes fast!

Ingredients:

8 oz block extra sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup light mayo

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup jalapeno slices, roughly chopped

1/2 Tbsp liquid from jalapeno jar

1 4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained

1/2 Tbsp sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Place pecans on a cutting board.

Now give them a chop.

Transfer pecans to a cookie sheet and bake 8 minutes, stirring halfway through.  When finished toasting, place in the fridge to speed the cooling process.

Next, shred your block of cheese.

 Into a large mixing bowl, place the cheese and the mayo.

Now give your jalapenos a rough chop.

Toss the jalapenos and pimentos into your bowl with the cheese.  Also add the jalapeno juice and sugar.

 Once the pecans are cooled, toss them in.

Now give it all a stir.  Glorious!

Now this part is important.  Don't eat it all immediately!  It's a lot better if it sits in the fridge overnight.  It all kinda comes together, the flavors combine, and it becomes cheesy, creamy perfection.

But I will not lie to you and say I didn't have a couple crackers full right away.

 And here's what you do if you really want to do it up right.  Spread a thick layer of the cheese onto a slice of bread.

And add a couple slices of crispy center cut bacon...

Then add a tomato, and top with another slice of bread...

And there you have it!  The most delicious sandwich in the world.  Or at least top three.

I hope you'll give this a try!  Enjoy!