Pimento Cheese Spread With Shrimp

Pimento cheese is a southern thing. It is available in the dairy case almost everywhere here. Problem is, there are as many versions as there are cooks. Wait! I guess that isn't really a problem, but I just couldn't find one that suited our tastes perfectly until I started tweaking one my daughter liked a lot. The addition of shrimp makes it a bit more substantial and attractive to northerners, too! I recommend using Duke's mayo if you are lucky enough to be able get it. Cooking time is chilling time.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 48
• Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 3  ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2  cups  shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2  ounces diced pimentos, drained
• 12  medium shrimp or 6  large shrimp, steamed, cooled, peeled and finely chopped

Directions

1. Beat the cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; add the cheddar cheese and continue beating until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in mayonnaise and garlic powder; stir in pimento and chopped shrimp.
3. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.