Recipe: Smoky Pimento Cheese

Whether you like yours spread on crackers, smeared on celery, or sandwiched between two slices of bread, Pimento Cheese is a southern staple with an open invitation to potlucks and cookouts. Here's *our* surprising twist that kicks this classic up a notch. 

Pimento Cheese

2 cups (8 oz) sharp yellow cheddar cheese, grated -- a block of cheese is best
2 cups (8 oz) extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated -- again with the block of cheese
4 oz jar pimentos, drained and finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. Serve with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, kettle chips, celery stalks, cucumber slices, bell pepper boats -- the possibilities are endless. Would also make an excellent filling for grilled cheese.

(Inspired by the incomparable Pimento Cheese from Parker & Otis)