Nutty Swiss-cheddar-pimento Cheese Spread

Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
• 4 ounces diced pimentos (well drained)
• 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese (neufchatel preferred, at room temperature)
• 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
• 12 ounces swiss cheese (freshly shredded)
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Recipe

• 1 toast pecans in a medium-hot iron skillet ~ constantly stirring to prevent burning! set aside to cool.
• 2 drain pimentos in a wire strainer, covered with a folded paper towel, for about 1/2 hour.
• 3 in a large bowl, combine all ingredients. use a food processor, if you have one!
• 4 refrigerate cheese spread for a few hours, to allow flavors to meld.
• 5 makes approximately 4 cups. serve with crackers, celery sticks, sliced apples, or make toasted sandwiches!
• 6 enjoy!