If you ask anyone from the Southern part of the United States what their favorite appetizer is, undoubtedly, they will answer pimento cheese. A staple in most Southern households, pimento cheese is a tasty savory spread made mainly of different cheeses, mayonnaise, pimentos, etc. It is a fantastic dip with crackers and vegetables, but it is versatile enough to be used in countless culinary dishes—more on that in a bit.

This easy recipe comes from our friend Sandra from Lexington, South Carolina. Her recipe uses Cherchies® Pretty Peppers and Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning, and she insists on only using Duke’s* mayonnaise (a preferred Southern mayonnaise- much harder to find here in Pennsylvania). Her family and friends rave about this recipe; we think you will too. Make this tasty dip for your next gathering, and watch it disappear right before your eyes. It is easy, addicting, and is sure to become one of your favorite recipes.

Not only is pimento cheese the perfect complement to crackers and vegetables, but did you know you can cook with it? Here are a few ideas to get your creative culinary juices flowing:

As a sandwich between two slices of bread
In grilled cheese sandwiches
In Macaroni and cheese
Served on top of burgers
Heated to serve as a fondue with bread chunks
Folded into grits
Dolloped over fries to create incredible cheese fries.
On top of baked potatoes
Folded in deviled eggs
So much more!

What is your favorite way to use pimento cheese?

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have made this delicious recipe featuring Cherchies® Pretty Peppers and Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning Blend. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

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Enjoy!

*Note- We have also tested this recipe with Helman’s for the same great results.

Ingredients

1/2 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (we prefer to use freshly grated cheese, rather than bagged shredded cheese).
1/2 cup grated pepper jack cheese (we prefer to use freshly grated cheese, rather than bagged shredded cheese).
1/2 cup grated Monterrey Jack Cheese (we prefer to use freshly grated cheese, rather than bagged shredded cheese).
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature.
1/2 cup *Duke’s Mayonnaise (or more for desired consistency)
1/2 jar Cherchies® Pretty Peppers, drained
1/2 teaspoon (tsp) Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning (more to taste)
Ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Drain the Pretty Peppers in a colander and set them aside. Add softened cream cheese to a medium bowl. Grate the cheddar, Monterrey Jack, and pepper jack cheeses and add them to the bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning, pepper, and mix with a hand mixer.

Once combined, gently add in the Pretty Peppers and stir with a spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined.

Refrigerate for at least two hours. The flavors only intensify, so making this ahead of a gathering is perfectly acceptable. Add crackers and vegetables for a delicious dip when ready to serve, the perfect addition to charcuterie platters. Or, add the pimento cheese to your favorite dish (see above).

Enjoy!

Yum

The Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe

June 1, 2021appetizers, snacks, side dishes, leftovers, gluten freeSheri SpalloneComment

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Serves a crowd

Difficulty: Easy

Hello friends!

I’ve been wanting to share this delicious Cowboy Caviar recipe because it’s one of those easy, colorful dishes that works for just about any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together, heading to a cookout, planning game day snacks, or just looking for a fresh make-ahead dip, this recipe is always a good idea.

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This tasty dip, featuring Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning, is quick to make and full of bright, bold flavor. It’s perfect served with tortilla chips, but it’s also delicious spooned over tacos, grilled fish, or chicken for an extra pop of freshness.

One of the best things about Cowboy Caviar is how simple it is to pull together. It uses frozen corn, so by the time you’re ready to serve, the dip is chilled and ready to go. Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning takes the flavors over the top.

This recipe feeds a crowd, so depending on the size of your gathering, you can easily add more beans, tomatoes, and corn. Just adjust the vinegar and oil to taste.

The next time you need an easy, flavorful dip recipe for entertaining or everyday snacking, give this black bean and corn dip a try. It may just become your new go-to.

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have tried this tasty recipe. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed
1 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed (can substitute fresh chopped tomatoes)
1 small red onion, finely diced (can substitute diced green onions (white and green part)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white vinegar (or a combination of white and red vinegar)
2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning (more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon (tsp.) ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Can be made a day ahead and chilled in the refrigerator. (*This recipe is better if made the day before, as it allows the flavors to marry and intensify). If need in a hurry, leave on the counter an hour before guests arrive to defrost the corn).

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Yum

Mini Herbed Cheese Ball Recipe

December 31, 2020appetizers, parties, snacksSheri SpalloneComment

Don't let the ball drop this New Year's without trying these classic mini herbed cheese balls with pretzel sticks. Individually portioned and perfect for social distancing, these tasty, colorful morsels are easy to make and pop in your mouth as you pop open the bubbly. These festive cheese balls, featuring Cherchies® Seasoning blends can be made ahead, allowing you more time to ring in the New Year with those you hold dear.

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Did you know? Research shows that serving round foods (which resemble coins, meaning wealth) on New Years' is supposed to bring good luck. After an unprecedented year like 2020, good luck sounds dreamy right now.

Even though your New Year's Eve plans may look different this year, you can still make it a night to remember with these mini savory cheeseballs. They are easy to make, they can be made ahead, and they are an absolute must-have recipe for your New Year's arsenal.

Have a safe and Happy New Year, friends! Thank you for visiting, and please come back again!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
4 oz. bleu cheese, room temperature
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, grated or finely minced
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Cherchies® Lem’n Dill Seasoning, Cherchies Pepper Pizzazz, and Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend (We tested this recipe with these seasoning blends, but feel free to experiment with your favorite and report back to us!)

Preparation
Allow the cream cheese to rest on the counter in the package for about 30 minutes, or until softened to room temperature. (If you are in a rush, try this trick. Place sealed package of cream cheese, sans the box, in a small bowl with warm water. This will allow the cream cheese to soften quicker).
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, bleu cheese, cheddar cheese, minced onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (can also be made ahead to chill in refrigerator over night).

When close to serving, evenly distribute the Cherchies® Seasoning Blends on three plates. (This will be used to roll up the mini cheese balls.) With a melon ball scooper, scoop out individual portions of the cheese mixture and roll in the various seasoning blends.

When ready to serve, add a pretzel stick for individual tasty portions. Enjoy!

Yum

Salmon and Dill Rollups Recipe

December 16, 2020appetizers, snacks, lunchSheri SpalloneComment

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Let the countdown to 2021 begin. Let's face it, 2020 was anything but ordinary. While we are all ready to put 2020 behind us, most importantly now, we also need to relax, unplug, enjoy the holiday season, and treat ourselves to something special.

These festive salmon and dill rollups, featuring smoked salmon, spinach, Cherchies® Lem'n Dill Seasoning, etc., are the perfect snack for cozying up by the fire or a fancy enough appetizer you and your significant other can share over a bottle of wine.

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Now is the time, more than ever, to treat yourselves this holiday season to these elegant salmon and dill pinwheels. You deserve something special!

Enjoy!

Comment below and let us know if you tried this tasty recipe. We would love to hear from you and as always, thank you for visiting! Please come back again.

Ingredients

4 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)

1/2 cup chopped green onions (green and white part)
2 Tbsp. (Tablespoons) Cherchies® Lem'n Dill Seasoning Blend
Baby Spinach leaves (Enough to cover tortilla)
Smoked salmon (Enough to cover tortilla)
1 large tortilla (burrito size- any type will work, regular, low carb, gluten-free, etc.)

Preparation

Allow the cream cheese to rest on the counter in the package for about 30 minutes, or until softened to room temperature. (If you are in a rush, try this trick. Place sealed package of cream cheese, sans the box, in a small bowl with warm water. This will allow the cream cheese to soften quicker).

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chopped green onions, and Lem'n Dill Seasoning. Set aside.

Lay the tortilla on a cutting board. Spread the tortilla with the cream cheese mixture until completely covered. Next, layer the spinach on top of the cream cheese followed by the smoked salmon.