Pimento Cheese

This is my favorite pimento cheese spread because it has a little kick to it! Actually, it is Paula Deen's son's recipe (Bobby). I serve it as an appetizer with crackers...especially when I serve a Southern meal. Bill and I also enjoy pimento cheese sandwiches at work. I usually double this recipe....YUMMY!

Ingredients

• 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
• 2 to 3 tablespoons pimentos, smashed
• 1 teaspoon grated onion
• Cracked black pepper

Directions:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat until well blended.

House Seasoning:

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Quick Bread

I tried a new recipe from Picky Palate last night. You must check it out if you like pepperoni pizza. It was quite a hit with Bill! The beauty of this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Quick Bread is that it requires only items that I typically keep in my cupboard, refrigerator and freezer. I have a tendency to over-buy groceries, so I have been preparing meals this week from ingredients I already have at home. It's been a good week to clean out the cupboards!