SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE

1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese

1 cup grated American cheese

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup Hellman's mayonnaise

dash (only) of cayenne pepper

3-4 oz. chopped pimento--well drained

Stir all ingredients well to be sure the cayenne is thoroughly mixed.  Optional ingredients for variation include the following:

use 1/2 cup of one or more of the following:

Mandarin oranges

1 finely chopped apple--(Delicious, Fuji)

white grapes (cut in small pieces--seedless, of course)

chopped pecans, unsalted

1/4 cup coconut--also nice if toasted and used as a "garnish"

Serve as a dip, on toasted crackers or with soft sandwich bread.

CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE

PASTRY

2 cups sifted flour

1/2 cup shortening

Cut-in shortening and flour with pastry blender

Add 1/2 cup ice cold water and stir gently with a fork until moistened.

Roll out until thin.  Place in pie plate and add pie filling of your choice.

CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE FILLING:

4 heaping Tablespoons of cocoa

1/2 stick real butter, melted

3 whole eggs

10 oz. milk

3 T. flour

Mix in bowl with electric mixer.  Pour into unbaked pie shell.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until firm in center.  Cool slightly on wire rack.  Serve warm with whipping cream or ice cream.

OPTIONAL ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

or a combination of coconut or pecans

ANY OCCASION CHICKEN SALAD

(Use the white meat of the chicken only for special occasions.

Chop chicken, removing any visible skin and bone.  Chop or shred very fine).

For 2 cups of chopped chicken add the following proportions:

1/4 finely chopped celery

1/8 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. salt or salt substitute

1/2 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise

Can be served hot with crumbled potato chips toasted as a topping.

VARIATIONS:

2 T. sweet pickle relish

1/2 cup chopped white seedless grapes

1/2 cup white raisins

1/2 cup fresh orange sections as a topping or garnish

Serve on crisp lettuce leaves with fresh tomato slices and a fruit salad for a complete meal.  Add your favorite sesame or poppy seed crackers or hot buttered rolls for the perfect touch.

By Rebecca Hayes: Milan High School, Career Technical Director