Janet Bostwick wrote:

> I'm a non-Southerner and I really want to like pimento cheese and the idea
> of it, but when I read about what it really is, it seems like it would have
> a repulsive mouth feel. It's shredded American cheese, right? Please
> explain more about pimento cheese to me. Is it only used for sandwiches.
> Janet
>
>
It is NOT (repeat: NOT) traditionally made with American cheese
(whatever that stuff is..I've never really figured it out and never buy it)
In *my* world it is made with cheddar, although it doesn't have to be
fancy cheddar. It can be a very simple cheese spread filling for
sandwiches or celery. I just attended a ladies tea reception after a
meeting recently and the hostess said her pimento cheese was simply
shredded cheese, Hellmann's mayo, pimentos and a bit of cayenne.
Simplicity to the extreme yet delicious all the same.
A local butcher makes some for sale and adds bacon which isn't common
but I'll try it sometime.
This next week in Augusta, Georgia, enormous quantities of pimento
cheese will be consumed as the world descends on the Augusta National
Golf Club for a little tournament. The hosts are known for their pimento
cheese sandwiches and I always make it a point to get one or two. It is
a wonderful thing to enjoy with a beer.