Second Place, Emily Taylor of St. Clair County, PIMENTO CHEESE & BACON

Ingredients

For Pimento Cheeseball

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature 

1⁄4 cup mayonnaise

1⁄2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1⁄2 teaspoon garlic salt 

1⁄4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

8 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 (4 oz.) jar of pimentos, drained

Salt and pepper to taste 

Preparation

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Beat in mayonnaise , mustard and spices. Mix cheese and pimentos until well combined. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.

Cheeseball Coating

18 oz. cooked-until-crisp bacon, finely diced, or 1 1/2 cups bacon bits

1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped

1/2 to 1 jalapeno, minced (seeds and membranes removed)

In a medium bowl, combine bacon, pecans and jalapenos. Roll cheese ball in coating.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.