Juneteenth Day

June 19th a day to pause-remember and celebrate! An annual holiday that observes the end of slavery in the U.S. and marks the day (June 19, 1865) when news of emancipation reached people in the deepest parts of the former Confederacy in Galveston, Texas.
Today many states observe this holiday with barbecues, picnics, parades, family gatherings, public speeches, prayer, music and dance. Juneteenth a day that stands for the dignity and equality of all citizens, regardless of race, so that all may share in the blessings of freedom that America provides.

How about a favorite southern dish to celebrate the day? Pimento cheese is a spread or relish made with cheese, mayonnaise and pimentos. It's served on bread, crackers and vegetables, or in sandwiches. Pimento cheese sandwiches are a signature item at the professional Master Golf Tournament.

Hot Pimento Cheese Dip
Cook's Notes: All I can say is I had to use a lot of self control on this dish. I could have easily eaten half of it before the guests even arrived it was that GOOD! It's decadent and rich and totally worth the splurge. It gets my highest recommendation, a southern classic appetizer that's a keeper.
Ingredients:

• 1- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2-1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (I used a packaged mix), divided
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• 1-4 oz. jar pimentos, drained and chopped
• 4 TB. green onion. minced
• 1 tsp. dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. Sriracha hot sauce (more to your liking)
• Garnish 1/3 cup toasted walnuts

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a baking dish with Pam or a similar product.
• With a mixer combine cream cheese, 2 cups grated cheddar and mayonnaise.
• Mix well and add in pimento, onions, parsley, pepper, paprika and hot sauce. Combine thoroughly.
• Spread evenly in baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top. and serve with crackers or small pieces of crusty bread.

Deviled Eggs
Cook's Notes: Another southern classic a staple at pot lucks and tailgating parties. In many southern households china, cut glass and crystal deviled egg platters are cherished family heirlooms that are passed on from generation to generation.
Deviled Eggs.
A link to some previously published deviled egg recipes.
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-southern-classic-deviled-eggs-with.html
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/03/an-eastery-kind-of-trip.html

I went with a twist on the classic Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Cook's Notes: A recipe that's easy and addictive. They are bold and zesty with a rich pimento cheese recipe for the filling.
Recipe from a spicyperspective.com

Ingredients:

• 12 hard boiled eggs
• 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 TB. mayonnaise
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 3 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2- 1/2 TB. pimento peppers, drained and diced
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Directions:

• Peel and rinse the hard boiled eggs. Then cut them in half and remove the yolks. Place the whites on a serving tray. Place the yolks in the food processor.
• Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, and garlic powder to the food processor. Puree until completely smooth, then add the shredded cheeses and diced pimentos. Pulse to combine, but do not puree.
• Scoop or pipe the pimento cheese filling into the center of each egg white. Then top with fresh dill sprigs or chives as a garnish. Sprinkle with pepper if desired. Wrap well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  

Father's Day Specials