Amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer of the holiday season, my cherished sister Betsy graced our doorstep, bearing not just gifts, but a bag bursting with delights perfect for merry gatherings. Nestled within was a treasure trove of wine-friendly treats, including a humble container of pimento cheese infused with the alluring smokiness of Gouda. As we embarked on an evening of catching up on sisterly gossip and reminiscing about bygone days, little did I know that this simple yet sublime cheese spread would become the heart and soul of our holiday celebrations. With the warmth of Betsy’s company and the lingering taste of that delectable cheese, I found inspiration to recreate the magic in my own kitchen, adding a fiery twist with chipotle. Join me on a culinary journey as we honor cherished memories and create new ones with our smoky chipotle pimento cheese.
Recipe: In a culinary homage to those cherished moments, I’ve adapted a classic pimento cheese recipe, infusing it with the bold flavors of chipotle to ignite the palate with each savory bite.
Ingredients:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
8 oz. Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, grated
4 oz. sliced pimentos, drained
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
Directions:
Begin by combining softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, adobo sauce, and black pepper in the bowl of an electric mixer. Blend until thoroughly combined, ensuring any lumps from the cream cheese are smoothly incorporated.
Next, gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack (or mozzarella) cheese until evenly distributed. Utilize a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl, ensuring all ingredients meld harmoniously.
Introduce the sliced pimentos and freshly chopped dill into the mixture, stirring until they’re thoughtfully integrated. Taste the concoction and adjust seasoning as per your preference, adding more cheese for a creamier texture or reducing for a sharper flavor profile.
With the fusion of flavors complete, refrigerate the smoky chipotle pimento cheese for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing its irresistible allure.
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