Pimento Cheese

Ingredients

8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated and at room temperature
8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, grated and at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 small jar pimento, drained and mashed
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Preparation

Combine Cheddar cheeses. Add pimento. Mix softened cream cheese and mayonnaise and add to Cheddar cheese mixture. Add cayenne pepper. Mix well. Chill. This will be very firm and should be served at room temperature. Serve with crackers, or it makes great sandwiches. To make a decorative “pinecone” cheese ball, chill for 1 hour; shape into an oval; cover with 2 cups toasted pecan halves; and top with several sprigs of fresh rosemary. –Millie Hawes Department of National Affairs and Public Affairs