Pimento Cheese

(This is a Southern staple and I think it is awesome! Great for any social gathering - so says Paula Deen! :)

Makes 3 1/2 cups

1 (8 oz) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 oz) package shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese (some recipes divide this and use 4 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese and 4 oz extra sharp Cheddar instead of 8 oz extra sharp Cheddar)
1 (4 oz) jar pimentos, with juice (some recipes use roasted red pepper instead)
1 jalepeno pepper, minced (optional if you don't like it too hot - I love it!)
1/4 cup + mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
Wheat Thins (or your favorite cracker) for serving

Mix the shredded cheeses together with the pimentos with juice (or red peppers). Stir in the mayo. With a metal spoon (pimentos will stain plastic or wood), stir until the mixture is well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir again. Keep covered in refrigerator until ready to use. It is easier to spread if left out on the counter abt 30 minutes before serving. (Note - some say it makes a big difference in the quality of the dip if you shred the cheese yourself. I agree, but if in a time crunch - bagged is just fine!)
Kami