Home Made Pimento Cheese Meets Vegetable Tray

Image : http://www.flickr.com

If you are looking for a quick snack or an alternative to the same old luncheon meat choices for a great sandwich, why not try Pimento Cheese? It's cool and refreshing. This is such a versatile little mixture that can be used in many ways. This is not even a kissing cousin to the spreads offered by your grocer. No true Southern household would be without it. Try it yourself.

PIMENTO CHEESE

16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 large jar minced pimentos, drained

2 cups mayonnaise

2 teaspoons Lawry's Garlic Salt

2 teaspoons Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt

3 dashes Tabasco sauce

Blend all ingredients either by hand in a large bowl or in a food processor. If you like a "chunky" spread, mix by hand. If you prefer a "smooth" spread, use the food processor. Adjust the salts and Tabasco to taste. When this is mixed initially, it needs to be "soupy" as if you have too much mayonnaise. The cheese will "soak up" the mayonnaise after it sets up.

This should be made one day in advance of serving. Use for sandwiches or as a spread for crackers. You can also use it as a dip for a vegetable tray.

A vegetable tray can really add to your table at a party. The colors are beautiful and the tray can be used as a centerpiece. Use a large round platter, put a bowl in the center for the dip, which could be onion, ranch, blue cheese, pimento cheese, or whatever your favorite happens to be, and group the items in a line from the center to the edge. Use cherry tomatoes, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber strips, carrots, olives, cubed cheese and anything else that you like.

Make sure you have enough room in your refrigerator for the tray to keep it cool. If you don't, put each group of items in a re sealable plastic bag to save space in the refrigerator and arrange the tray when guests start to arrive. Enjoy.