This recipe falls under the All Things Southern category. My mother’s side of the family grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. Although, my mom was born and raised in Iowa, she had many summer trips to the South, over the years, as well as visiting relatives they would connect with throughout the year.
Almost exactly nine years ago, we celebrated my Mom’s 60th birthday on the beach close to Charleston at the Isle of Palms. We loved every minute and were completely swooned by the charming city, people, and fabulous food. I had a four-month old baby and a four-year old girl. Now I have a nine year old son and a thirteen year old daughter. Ughhh, how time flys by. So so quickly. I vividly remember my daughter learning how to swim all by herself (without the help of floaties or a life jacket) on this trip.
This Southern recipe is so simple and so versatile. It’s great for a quick appetizer or it can be used for lunch-time sandwiches. It makes a bunch. Use it right away or store it in jars for later. I’ll always be reminded of Charleston when I whip this one up!
- 16 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 oz. jar of diced pimentos (do not need to drain)
- 1 - 1½ c. of mayonnaise
- salt and pepper as desired
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Fold in any additional seasonings. Chill for an hour or more to let the flavors blend.
This is wonderful! My mom grew up in Florence SC, and met my dad, who was from Iowa in Charleston! Of course, they moved to Iowa, and raised 4 girls in Ames; love the similarities!
That’s wonderful, and a really neat story. Thanks for sharing, Leanne!
Dearest Molly,
Thank you for this heartfelt post…and soon we will return to my favorite of all places: Charleston and Isle of Palms.
Thanks to you and Bob for this suggestion for a family vacation 2023.
And now you have a 13-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son!
When I saw the picture of the children, I remembered the next time we went to Charleston (2014) to a restaurant with cooling sprays of water, since it was such a hot and humid day. It was the time when Ava was playing in her iron-backed chair and got stuck in it! It happened a construction crew was working out on the street and someone came in with iron cutters! Ava, Joe, and the worker went to a back room and before we knew it, she was extracted. Ava and I were just reminiscing about it the other day!
I must make this recipe for the 4th of July along with Mom’s Southern fried chicken!
Love and thanks to you for the memories!
Mom
That is how my Mom and Granny taught me to make. Only difference is that Granny always added a little sugar in everything she cooked.
Love this! Thanks for sharing, Carolyn!