Elegant Pimiento Cheese Spread

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese (i like to use sharp)
• 1 cup neufchatel cheese or 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup chopped pimiento or 1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
• 1/2 cup minced celery (i mince mine in the food processor)
• 2 scallions, part only, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

Recipe

• 1 in a food processor, whirl the cheddar cheese, neufchatel, lemon juice, and water for 3 or 4 minutes, until very smooth.
• 2 transfer the cheese mixture to a bowl and stir in the pimientos, celery, and scallions.
• 3 if mixed in the spread, the pecans become soft after a couple of hours, so add them just before serving or just sprinkle them on top of each serving.
• 4 this spread will keep for 4 or 5 days in the refrigerator.
• 5 note: to toast pecans spread in a single layer on an unoiled baking sheet at 350*f.
• 6 for 5 to 10 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown.