CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Pimiento Cheese

This spread is on the 2011 food trend list of Bon Appetit magazine.

Pimiento Cheese

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

½ cup mayonnaise

1 4-ounce jar diced pimientos, undrained

Place cream cheese in bowl of electric mixer. Add garlic, onion powders, pepper; beat until smooth, fluffy. Add cheeses, mayonnaise, pimientos with liquid; beat until well-blended. Use as sandwich filling or topper, dip for veggies or spread with crackers.

Yield: Serves 12.

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 207 calories, 85 percent of calories from fat, 19.8 grams fat (8.5 grams saturated), 42.5 milligrams cholesterol, 5.9 grams protein, 1.9 grams carbohydrates, 0.2 grams fiber, 223 milligrams sodium.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.

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