Food

Pimento Cheese

On a recent trip to San Antonio I had the pleasure of eating pimento cheese for the first time. It’s been on my list of Southern foods I have been wanting to try and I’m so glad I finally did. It’s creamy with the right amount of spice. Perfect for crackers, chips, veggies, or bread. It’s common to make a sandwich using this delicious cheese. I think it would be fantastic on sourdough, or any kind of baguette, and warmed under the broiler.

I found this recipe on Allrecipes. If you prefer extra spicy, add jalapenos, which I highly recommend. Pimento cheese would be nice at a potluck or party. If you have never had this quintessential Southern cheese I hope you give it a try. It’s a winner.

Happy Eating!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Pimento Cheese

Ingredients

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

¼ tsp onion powder

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups (16 oz.) extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimentos, drained and then chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl place the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt and pepper. Using a whisk or rubber spatula mix until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the spices.
  2. Mix in the shredded cheese, pimentos, and optional jalapeno.
  3. Enjoy with crackers, veggies, or make a sandwich.

Food

Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Dip

In case you’ve never heard of Chuy’s, it’s a Tex-Mex restaurant that started in Austin. My favorite thing at Chuy’s is this amazing creamy jalapeno dip. When they bring chips and salsa to your table, they also bring creamy jalapeno dip. It is so addictive and so delicious! If you have never been to Chuy’s or never had this incredible dip, you are going to want to make it.

This dip is super easy to make. Throw everything in the food processor and in a few minutes you’ve got creamy, spicy, deliciousness on a chip. It’s really close to the original Chuy’s recipe, maybe even better. That’s just my opinion. I’ll quit talking and get to the recipe. That’s what we all want anyway.

Happy Eating!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Equipment needed: Food processor, blender, or immersion blender

Yield: 2.5 cups

Ingredients

2 to 3 jalapenos chopped, (seeds and ribs removed)

handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

3 gloves garlic, chopped

juice of 1 lime

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup buttermilk

1 packet ranch dip mix (1 oz.)

Instructions

  1. In a food processor add jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add the green chiles, mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and ranch dip mix. Pulse until smooth.
  3. Now it’s ready to enjoy. Keep in the refigerator for up to a week.

Notes

*The consistency is runny. Don’t be alarmed if it’s not thick. It’s not supposed to be.

*If you like things hot and spicy then add another jalapeno, or leave the seeds intact. It’s not super spicy, it’s mild.

* The flavors get better the longer it sits in the fridge. You can enjoy the dip right away, or let it chill for a few hours first.

* Ranch dip mix vs. ranch dressing mix. I use the dip mix. I assume the ranch dressing mix works as well.

Photo Credits: Meghan E. White