PIMIENTO CHEESE FRASE

Pimiento Cheese Frase image

Yield Makes 3 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 large garlic cloves
1 cup pecans
a 4-ounce jar pimientos
12 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves
Tabasco to taste
Accompaniment: crackers

Steps:

Crush 2 garlic cloves with the flat side of a large knife and mince remaining garlic clove. Chop pecans. Drain pimientos and rinse well. Pat pimientos dry between paper towels and chop. Coarsely grate cheddar.
Preheat oven to 350° F.
In an ovenproof heavy skillet cook crushed garlic in oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until pale golden. Discard garlic with a slotted spoon and stir pecans into oil. Cook pecans over moderate heat, stirring, 1 minute, and transfer skillet to oven. Toast pecans, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes, and cool.
In a bowl stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and minced garlic. Stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste until combined well. Pack spread into a crock (or crocks) and chill, covered with plastic wrap, at least 1 day and up to 4.
Let spread stand at room temperature 30 minutes and serve with crackers.