Delish Summer Spreads!

DEAR FRIENDS!

Just in time for your July 4^th holiday fun … two summer spreads your people will love! I’m making double batches of both – they will go fast! The Cucumber Spread should not be confused with the Cucumber Dip offered a few weeks ago to an enthusiastic response. While this new Cucumber Spread can double as a dip, it’s delish on a sandwich. Think with fresh tomatoes and who needs pesto? Okay, I love pesto too! You can also spread on Crostini (page 280 in Basics) and top with fresh tomato garnished with fresh dill. The Three Cheese Pimento Cheese – well, you just have to make it and you will be a believer. Think BLT’s or burgers. Of course, you could do grilled pimento cheese, grilled bacon and pimento cheese, pimento cheese melted on crostini. The possibilities are endless … just like I wish July 4^th with my family could be!

Happy 4^th from our family to yours!

Cucumber Spread

SERVES 10–12 Inspired by Southern Living

INGREDIENTS

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups unpeeled, chopped Persian cucumbers*
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
3 ½ tsp chopped fresh dill
3 tsp dried mint
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper

*See TIPS & QUIPS below for more on Persian Cucumbers.

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients.

To serve, spread on crostini or white bread rounds with tomatoes and garnished with fresh dill or use as spread with tomato or turkey sandwiches.

DEEDEE’S NOTES

I recommend Persian cucumbers, which are small, thin, and usually sold packaged, vs. loose, in your produce section. They’re also firm, crisp, and taste amazing. The skin is edible, not like the thick, waxy skin on your standard variety.

Three Cheese Pimento Cheese

SERVES 10–12 Inspired by Southern Living

INGREDIENTS

8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, grated*

4 oz Gouda cheese, grated*
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
½–1 cup mayonnaise
1 4-oz jar diced pimento, drained
½–1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tsp McCormick Seasoned Salt
½ tsp pepper

Best to grate your own cheese rather than use pre-packaged, which comes with additives to keep it from clumping.

*See TIPS & QUIPS.

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients. Season with hot sauce to taste.

Delish on BLT’s or burgers, grilled pimento cheese, grilled bacon and pimento cheese, pimento cheese melted on crostini.

DEEDEE’S NOTES

Avoid using pre-packaged grated cheese as it comes with additives to keep it from clumping. To make grating easier and safer, use a box grater with cut resistant gloves. See Sources & Resources. You can also use a food processor which will make the cheese grating even more … effortless!

TIPS & QUIPS

Persian Cucumber

Persian Cucumbers are small, thin, and usually sold packaged, vs. loose, in your produce section. They’re also firm, crisp, and taste amazing. The skin is edible, not like the thick, waxy skin on your standard variety.

Cut Resistant Gloves

For Pimento Cheese, rather than buying pre-packaged grated, which comes with additives to keep it from clumping, grate your own. Two ideas to make this easier. If using a box grater, be sure to use steel mesh gloves. If you’re making a double batch, use a food processor with the grater disc and this step will take no time at all. You don’t even need to wash between the two types of cheeses because they will be mixed together anyway!

Dowellife’s Cut Resistant Gloves

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Cucumber Spread Recipe | Three Cheese Pimento Cheese Recipe

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