Creamy Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip For a Modern Relish Tray

Modern relish trays have come along way from the simple glass platter your Grandmother served before family dinners however, the concept that you are serving items that tend to be on the lighter side still holds true. 

Tofu and Lemon Dip for a modern relish tray WestElm event with @KraylFunch and @TabithaBlue - relish tray
all photo credits in this feature :: Tabitha Blue of the fresh mommy blog

For most trays you will only serve one dip so the flavors should be special but not overpowering. A Creamy Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip is the perfect compliment to a platter filled with organic multicolored carrots, fresh sliced fennel, pickled radishes and a variety of interesting crackers.

December West Elm Event-33

Tofu and Lemon Dip for a modern relish tray WestElm event with @KraylFunch and @TabithaBlue - making the dip

I recently co-hosted an Lustrous Entertaining Event {full post link coming soon!} at West Elm and tried out the new recipe for the guests. The response was wonderful – especially to the secret ingredient, tofu! I have to admit, I have never made a dip from tofu but the texture was great – I used firm tofu so I needed to add every bit of the lemon juice, so if you select to use silkened the quantity may differ.

My more than able assistant {of course I pull up a health coach to help… she stole the show! Just kidding Natalia. Loved having you there!} whipped it up in no time flat and even messaged me later to get the recipe to make it for her family! Again positive response and that is coming from a 10 year old. Guests also enjoyed a Raspberry Mocktail Punch along with the Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip, so many great flavors!

Tofu and Lemon Dip for a modern relish tray WestElm event with @KraylFunch and @TabithaBlue - making the dip

Tofu and Lemon Dip for a modern relish tray WestElm event with @KraylFunch and @TabithaBlue - dip on tray final

[yumprint-recipe id=’21’] Thank you again to Tabitha Blue of the fresh mommy blog for taking and sharing the lovely photographs of the event.

 

Holiday Party Appetizer Idea: Mini Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Beef + Couscous

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” right? Except you have a million things to get done before the magic can really begin and that’s on top of attending holiday parties, gift wrapping and or course don’t forget, you still have to decorate your own home and tree. How about combining a few of your holiday tasks by hosting a Christmas Tree Trimming Party! In my opinion it is THE easiest way to see your friends AND ensure your tree is decorated well before Santa comes sliding down the chimney after Christmas Eve dinner. 

{ visit The Florida CattleWomen on Facebook to learn more about how they are celebrating this year}

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - tree behind the coffee table

I know, you might be thinking – Put another party on calendar? Won’t that add to my to-do list rather than take things off? Yes. And no. While it may add a few items to your list, it is guaranteed to take more off then put on. Here are my top suggestions for planning a tree trimming party::

Don’t Over Think It.
Tree trimming parties can be super casual get together, no need to pull out the party dress yet. It is a way to gather friends and neighbors to get the party started early in the season. Keep the tablescape decor simple by placing everything on a tray to be moved from the kitchen to the living room. A simple vase with white Tulips and seeded Eucalyptus looks festive but not over done.

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - set the table

Keep The Menu Simple.
Your guests will be busy hanging ornaments and chatting but you will want to offer a few easy bites. Try something that can easily be made ahead of time then heated up right before guest arrive. Put out a cheese board along with another easy to make appetizer like Mini Sweet Peppers stuffed with Beef + Couscous. How cute are they in their festive red!

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - overview of the full table

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - place peppers on a wood slab

Let Guests Serve Themselves.
No need to set a full table. These people are here to work! Place your appetizers out on the coffee table along with small plates and napkins. For this type of gathering I prefer to serve recipes that don’t require utensils – one or two bites is perfect with a small side plate. Less to clean up at the end of the night!

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - stack plates for guests to help themselves

 

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Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - cutting board with peppers

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - peppers stuffed before cooking

If you like this beef appetizer recipe you are going to LOVE all the recipes the Beef Website has to offer. They even have an entire section of appetizers ready for you to incorporate beef into your holiday parties! Learn more on the Florida Beef website.

Founded in 1961 as the Florida CowBelles, Inc., the Florida CattleWomen, Inc. (FCW) conduct and participate in a variety of activities that can be summed up in their Purpose: To foster the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion, in cooperation with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Beef Council.

Please visit + like the Florida CattleWomen Facebook Page to learn more about the wonderful organization, the women involved and what they are serving this holiday season! Florida CattleWomen on Facebook. 

Win A Holiday Dinner For Your Family!

$250 Gift Certificate – congratulations to Gladys H. on winning a $250 gift certificate from the Florida CattleWomen! 

Disclosure :: While I have been compensated by the Florida CattleWomen Inc. the opinions, photography, reviews and ideas are all my own.

The Perfect Autumn Bellini Recipe

Cooler temperatures and additional clothing layers have never stopped me from enjoying a chilled glass of champers. However, it does make me crave a slightly “warmer” version with spices such as cardamom and allspice found in this Autumn Bellini recipe.

a-the-perfect-autumn-bellini-peach-puree-with-cardamon-and-allspice-topped-with-champagne-by-anappealingplan-by-kraylfunch

 

 

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 a-the-perfect-autumn-bellini-peach-puree-with-cardamon-and-allspice-topped-with-champagne-by-anappealingplan-by-kraylfunch-3


Breakfast

Appetizers and Sides

Main Dishes

Desserts and Cocktails

Plus, A Guide to Apples plus Best Fall Recipes Ideas for #SundaySupper

 

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

 

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COVER-Krayl-An Appealing-Plan- FINAL-page1

And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

Peach Simple Syrup Iced Tea with Mint

Sweet Tea is a truly Southern tradition, not only during the summer but year round, you will find people sipping it on the porch or serving to friends gathered around the kitchen table. A wonderful alternative to serving pre-sweetened tea is to create a simple syrup and allow guest to add to their taste preference.

Simple syrup is just as the name says, a simple syrup. It is equal parts water and sugar gently heated until the sugar dissolves – and perfect for using in cold beverage as the sugar is already in liquid form it quickly mixes into the existing liquid. I love to create new flavors of simple syrup to be used in iced tea, cocktails or to be poured over berries for dessert.

For a recent event at the West Elm in Hyde Park Village with Tabitha Blue, of Fresh Mommy Blog, – here we are before everyone arrived – I made up a double batch of Georgia Peach Simple Syrup to serve alongside iced Earl Grey tea, fresh mint sprigs and additional peach slices. The attendees enjoyed it along with a Fresh Herb White Bean Dip while they made Personalized Rosemary Napkin Rings {DIY feature coming soon} – both perfect for Summer Entertaining!

Ingredients

2 cups sugar

1 cup water

1-2 peaches, sliced

Instructions

In a medium sauce pan bring water and sugar to a boil.

Add peaches and stir slowly.

Reduce to simmer after sugar is completely dissolved in the liquid.

Crush peaches when soft to release more flavor into the syrup.

Reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes. Be sure to monitor temperature to avoid browning or burning the sugar.

Syrup will be very hot. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Using a fine mesh metal strainer, strain peaches from syrup.

Bottle. Gift or Enjoy!

Peach Simple Syrup is wonderful in iced tea but also try it to add a touch of sweetness to any favorite beverage – I know I will be testing a few new recipes with weekend with the pretty pink syrup – stay tuned for more!

Thank you Tabitha for sharing your pictures with me!!

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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

The Ultimate Summer Solstice Cocktail

For me there are two culinary reminders that the Summer Solstice is here – lemonade and lavender. I still can hear the calm voice of the Country Time Lemonade commercials from the 80’s letting us all know that “summer is just a short 94 days long this year…”, those precious fleeting days of warmth and feeling free, perfectly accented by the sweetness of a tall glass of lemony goodness. And as an adult, with a garden of my own, the sounds of bumble bees buzzing around the just opened lavender buds summon me to gathering them up and bring them into the kitchen to make a batch of lavender syrup has become a tradition marking the arrival of summer.

THE DAILY BASICS A Summer Solstice Cocktail AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4  (38)

This year I am whipping up a batch of The Ultimate Summer Solstice cocktail for my friends on The Daily Basics and to my greet guests as they arrive for the solstice celebration.

GET THE SUMMER SOLSTICE COCKTAIL RECIPE + LEARN MORE HERE

A Summer Solstice Cocktail AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch  for @TheDailyBasics

A Summer Solstice Cocktail Recipe from AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch for @TheDailyBasics

GET THE SUMMER SOLSTICE COCKTAIL RECIPE + LEARN MORE HERE

 

 * * * * * * *

COVER-Krayl-An Appealing-Plan- FINAL-page1

And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

Refreshing Poolside Cocktail Recipe

There are few things I enjoy as much as sipping a refreshing cocktail poolside in the summertime. You can just imagine the pool boy serving them up and passing out chilled towels.

Pavan Poolside Sipper with Pavan blackberries and fresh lime perfect for a day at the pool or on the patio _ AnAppealingPlan.com #CelebrateEveryday Limes

This refreshing poolside cocktail recipe came about last weekend when my husband and I were at the pool and found ourselves out of champagne! See Sunday’s at our house is reserved for Mimosas by the pool.

So what’s a girl to do but raid the cabinet and fridge to see what’s available. Luckily I was able to pull a few ingredients together, pop on a paper straw and what do you know, a new refreshing poolside cocktail is born!Pavan Poolside Sipper Cocktail #KraylFunch for #AnAppealingPlan Blue and Red Paper Straws add a touch of fun to any cocktail (5)

I pick up colorful paper straws whenever I see them on sale – they add just the right amount of festive color with out being over the top. I have a stash of them in a rainbow of colors, patterns and various seasonal feel. They come out whenever I am creating a cocktail buffet, hosting a neighborhood gathering or when serving a refreshing poolside cocktail at the pool.

Pavan Poolside Sipper with Pavan blackberries and fresh lime perfect for a day at the pool or on the patio _ AnAppealingPlan.com #CelebrateEveryday

A REFRESHING POOLSIDE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

2 parts Pavan Liquer
1 part lime juice
2-3 parts club soda
Blackberries, for garnish
Ice, plenty of it

METHOD

In a tall glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice mix Pavan, lime juice. shake to chill completely.

Pour into a poolside cup filled with ice. Top with club soda, blackberry and straw.

Serve immediately. Dip your toes in the water and relax.

 * * * * * * *

COVER-Krayl-An Appealing-Plan- FINAL-page1

And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

The Tastiest Cilantro Margarita

This Cilantro Margarita has a little twist on it. With super fresh ingredients it is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, a neighborhood BBQ or just a girls night on the back porch. I know you are going to love it.

The main ingredients we are going to use in this cocktail are tequila, lime juice, homemade simple syrup, cilantro, kosher salt, and ice. We’re going to keep it clean and keep our ingredients fresh and to a minimum. First we are going to select our glass and use a little bit of the lime to coat the edge of the glass. If you prefer no salt, but the best way to rim the glass is to use a little bit of the lime to moisten the edge and use kosher salt.

Cilantro Margarita recipe perfect for a summer celebration Cinco de mayo, BBQ, neighborhood block party anappealingplan.com by krayl funch 66 1000x

I only like a little bit of salt, so what I prefer to do is dab on a little tiny bit. Next pick off some of the cilantro leaves and place them in the glass. I know cilantro can go either way – you either love it or you hate it, but I happen to love it, so any time I can get fresh cilantro from the farmer’s market, I go ahead and grab it and make as many things as I can. I love it with tacos, guacamole, really anything. Even when we go get sushi I ask them if they have any cilantro – if they have it I just tell them to add it any roll they can!

After you add the lime and cilantro muddle then together. The juice of the lime will help mix that up. Muddle it and then add the lime juice. I always prefer to use fresh squeezed and natural, but if you can’t, the Key Lime very tasty.

Cilantro Margarita recipe perfect for a summer celebration Cinco de mayo, BBQ, neighborhood block party anappealingplan.com by @KraylFunch 14 1000x

A little bit of simple syrup just in to add a little bit of sweetness, then tequila and add in ice. Once you add your ice, stir and top it off with a sliced lime wedge.

I love the bright lime that makes it a little sour, and the cilantro. It’s a lot of cilantro flavor but not too much. Then a little bit of simple syrup makes it a little bit sweet, but honestly, you could do without that. Just depends on how you like your cocktails.

Cilantro Margarita recipe perfect for a summer celebration Cinco de mayo, BBQ, neighborhood block party anappealingplan.com by @KraylFunch 51 1000x

 

THE CILANTRO MARGARITA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

lime wedge, to muddle and as garnish
kosher salt
1 ounce lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1.5 ounces tequilla
1 ounce simple syrup
ice
lime wedge

METHOD

Moisten the outside edge of the glass with a lime wedge, dip in kosher salt to edge with salt. Place wedge in glass with cilantro leaves and muddle together to break down the cilantro leaves. Add lime juice, simple syrup, tequilla and ice. Stir together to combine.

Garnish with lime wedge and serve very cold.

Makes one cocktail.


Be sure to check out all the festive recipes from the Sunday Supper Community – And a special thank you to Marlene of Nosh My Way for hosting and with Sunday morning link updating from Cindy of Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Tidbits and Pupus

Breakfast

Companions

Condiments and Sauces

Coolers

Main Event

Delectable Delights

Tropical Foods and Drinks Sunday Supper

Wine Pairings

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

The Perfect Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Recipe

Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up, put on a gorgeous spring hat and drink out of a chilled silver cup? I know this girl does! This quick and easy Mint Julep cocktail recipe is perfect for a Kentucky Derby party or for a lazy summer day on the front porch.

Kentucky Derby Party ideas. Min Julep cocktail recipes. Starting with fresh mint and silver mint julep cups. AnAppealingPlan 1000x

Whether you live in Kentucky, the South or the Northeast, Derby parties are sure to be popping up all around you the first week in May – perhaps even at your house. If you are considering hosting – you do not want to miss my Kentucky Derby Party planning check list – sure to reduce hostess stress and increase enjoyment!

This cocktail has the special touch of a mint simple syrup to really create a refreshingly cool beverage all delivered to you in an amazing silver julep cup! So gather a few girlfriends in hats and guys in bow ties and enjoy sipping this Derby ready Mint Julep cocktail!

Kentucky Derby Party planning ideas. Min Julep cocktail recipe. Starting with fresh mint and silver mint julep cups. AnAppealingPlan  thumb

 

THE PERFECT MINT JULEP COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

3 ounces Kentucky bourbon
1 ounce mint simple syrup
2-3 cups chipped ice
mint sprig, for garnish

METHOD

Fill silver mint julep cup with chipped ice, top with bourbon and mint simple syrup. Add mint sprig for garnish and serve immediately.

Makes one serving, based on cup volume.

{be sure to serve with food as it is a strong beverage. We suggest Zesty Pimento Cheese or Bourbon Bacon Deviled Eggs. Let us know what you plan on pairing it with in the comments below!}

Shop these items ::

Beaded Barware Mint Julep Cup,
Simple Syrup by Woodford Reserve – Mint Julep

 


 

The Prettiest Spring Cocktail :: The Pretty Peacock

Spring flowers are not just to be kept in the garden – bring them to the table by adding them to your favorite Spring cocktail recipes. This Pretty Peacock cocktail gets it’s name from the Pavan Liqueur as well as the additional bright colors of edible flowers floating on top.

The lovely combination of flavors – Muscat grapes, Orange Blossoms and Elderflower – in this Pretty Peacock cocktail make it perfect for a Spring gathering set in the garden or in a space filled with Summer flowers. On the sweet side, but not clingy, it is an easy beverage to make as well as to sip!

The Pretty Peacock Cocktail via AnAppealingPlan.com by Krayl Funch A perfect cocktail for spring and summer gatherings featuring Pavan and Elderflower rv

Whether you are hosting an elaborate Spring time wedding, bridal shower or a simple Summer gathering on your patio with friends, the touch of edible flowers in your cocktails will surely elevate your celebration.

The ingredients for this spring cocktail are easy :: Two spirits – Gin and Pavan liqueur.  Two mixers :: Club Soda and Elder Flower. One Juice  :: Lime  Juice and One Garnish :: Edible Flowers.

Add ice into the shaker, because we don’t want to dilute it too much. We want to make sure that everything gets nice and cool. Add one part Pavan, one part gin – right on top of the ice in the shaker. Then add one and a half parts of the elderflower lemonade – it definitely has a little bit of sweetness to it, but it’s very refreshing.

Pavan is a French liqueur, made from the small little tiny white grapes that grow right on the coast. Their website is beautiful. You must go take a peak – you will want to move tomorrow!

The Pavan is also a more literal world. It’s a slow and sort of majestic dance; it’s called the dance of the peacock. While I’m not completely sure if the peacock does the dance or humans do the dance, I think it is a dance that was done by humans but referred to as the dance of the peacock, sort of a proud, flamboyant, majestic dance.

“The Pretty Peacock gets it’s name from “the classic Pavan dance or “Dance of the Peacock” which was popular in the South of France during the Renaissance (16th century). In French, “se pavaner” is still used today, and means to act with pride, confidence and swagger… to strut like a peacock, so to speak”.”

Once you add your fresh lime swirl it together – you don’t want to bruise the gin by shaking. You could also just serve this straight up,  but I like to throw a little bit of ice in the glass to keep it cool since it’s going to be served during spring or summer. Pour the mixture right over top of the ice and optionally add a touch of club soda – it adds a little bit of effervescence and keeps it a little bit lighter. Now pick your flowers to garnish and cheers.

The Pretty Peacock spring cocktail is light, refreshing, has a little bit of sweetness to it but not too much. It’s really, really excellent for sipping outside on the porch surrounded by flowers at a garden party. So mix up a batch of this pretty cocktail and get your swagger on.

The Pretty Peacock Cocktail via AnAppealingPlan.com by Krayl Funch A perfect cocktail for spring and summer gatherings featuring Pavan and edible flowers. 52 1000x

 

THE PRETTY PEACOCK COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

1 part Pavan liqueur
1 part good quality gin, such as Bombay
1.5 parts Elderflower soda
juice of 1 lime, approximately 1 tablespoon
tonic water
edible organic flowers, for garnish
ice

METHOD

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the Pavan, gin, Elderflower soda and juice of 1 lime. Swirl to combine and chill.

Place fresh ice in serving glass, strain mixture over top – filling to 3/4 full. Top with tonic water and garnish with selected edible flowers. Serve immediately.

Makes one cocktail.


 

Shop Items Used In This Recipe Now on Amazon

Belvoir Elderflower Presse
Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water
Pure Komachi Lime Green Paring Knife

 


 

Zesty Southern Pimento Cheese 

Admittedly my relationship with Pimento Cheese did not begin until I moved South. I had heard of it, but honestly thought of it as some type of cheese mixture close to Port Wine Cheese or a Cheese Ball you have at the holiday’s.

Kentucky Derby Party Pimento Cheese recipe on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch (9) 750x

After a few visits with neighbors and attending various gatherings this “southern” mixture started to become more and more a part of my entertaining menu. Still, I had not made it personally – I thought, “Is a girl born and raised in the Northeast even allowed to make and serve this dish??”

So, I began to do a little research on recipes and the history of Pimento Cheese. Let’s start with recipes – I think there are just as many recipe variations as there are Southern mothers! Too many to count and all with their own must have ingredients, and story to go along, about why this ingredient is a MUST for an authentic Pimento Cheese Recipe.

Kentucky Derby Table  pimento Cheese with Mint Julep Equestrian on AnAppealingPlan.com #KraylFunch (2) 750x

 

Moving on to the history. No one was more shocked to find out that pimento cheese got its beginnings in the North—in New York, in fact—as a product of industrial food manufacturing and mass marketing! Imagine that? This truly southern dish is a transplant to the warmer weather, just like many of us in the Southern states.

Sometime shortly after World War II, the popularity of the pre-made pimento cheese brands began to fade, but Southern cooks took what began as an industrial food product and started developing their own recipes for making and serving it at home.

According to Robert Moss, Southern Food Correspondent and author of Going Lardcore: Adventures in New Southern Dining, from SeriousEats.com“These new, up-to-date products—cream cheese and red pimentos—were favorites of the practitioners of Domestic Science. Also known as “home economics,” it was a women-led social reform movement that sought to bring order and scientific precision to all aspects of the home, with a particular emphasis on scientific cooking and a neat dinner table. Cream cheese was the perfect food for the Domestic Science sensibility. The Domestic Scientists loved canned pimentos, too, especially their mild, inoffensive flavor and their flashy red color.” 

Don’t you love it!

So without further delay my fellow “Domestic Scientists” – I offer you my version of Zesty Pimento Cheese Spread.

Kentucky Derby Table Cheese Tulips Eggs Kale Mint Julep Equestrian  (11) 750x

 

ZESTY PIMENTO CHEESE SPREAD

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 – 8 ounces package whipped cream cheese
  • 2 – 4 ounce jars of diced pimentos, drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon srirachi sauce, or hot sauce of choice
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, add to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, add to taste
  • 5 cups {1 1/4 pounds} shredded cheddar cheese
  • green onions, for garnish if desired

METHOD

In a food processor combine cream cheese, pimentos, celery seeds, Worcestershire sauce, srirachi sauce, apple cider, salt and pepper. Season to taste.

In a medium size bowl combine cream cheese mixture and shredded cheese with a wooden spoon until well blended. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.

Garnish with green onions, if desired. Serve with crackers or melba toast.

How do you like your pimento cheese spread?? Let me know in the comments below!