Goat Cheese and Pimiento Dip

It’s almost time to start planning out your list of dips and spreads for the Superbowl!  If we’re being honest, zero percent of my being is interested in the Superbowl or professional football in general.  I grew up in a home of Browns fans, and now I live with a nice man who tells me that we’re Lions fans.  So, historically, I haven’t had a lot to celebrate in the NFL.  Nonetheless, I do enjoy reasons to eat.

I can promise you that if I’m awake for any portion of the game, it will be only the first few moments, so I’m going to do the majority of my eating long before the excitement begins.  And all coverage that I encounter the following day will be directly related to whatever commercials Dan tells me are trending on Twitter.

When I think of Superbowl foods, really the only things that come to mind are hot wings and nachos.  I mean, is that unfair to say?  The world has made it so.  But shouldn’t we be celebrating these tremendous feats of athleticism with something more nourishing?  (Don’t worry, I’ll get off my high horse later and eat some nachos, but right now I’m just trying to get you excited about this veggie dip.)  Don’t get me wrong – this recipe is essentially a way to deliver cheese on a vegetable vehicle, so it’s not angelic or anything.  I think it strikes a nice balance.

I first found the original version of this recipe in Food Network Magazine, thanks to Katie Lee.  When I came to terms with the fact that I was too stingy to buy the 11 oz. log of goat cheese (I’m a cheapskate, ok?), I adjusted it a little bit to suit my needs and came up with my version of Goat Cheese and Pimiento Dip.  Celery and radishes are great dippers, as are my favorite crackers, Mary’s Gone Crackers and Blue Diamond’s Artisan Nut Thins.

Enjoy your Superbowl viewing, or if you’re sharing my plans, enjoy your excuse to eat snacks all afternoon and then head to bed with a good book just like every Sunday night 🙂

[lt_recipe name=”Goat Cheese and Pimiento Dip” servings=”8-10″ prep_time=”10M” total_time=”10M” difficulty=”Easy” summary=”Adapted from Katie Lee’s Pimiento Goat Cheese Spread, a great dip or spread to bring to a potluck or party – perfect with veggies or crackers!” print=”yes” image=”http://www.eighteenalmonds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_9604-001-300×300.jpg” ingredients=”4 oz. log of goat cheese at room temperature;1/2 c. shredded smoked cheddar cheese;3 tbsp. mayonnaise;1 small jar pimientos, drained;2 scallions, chopped;1/2 tbsp. sweet pickle relish;1/2 tsp. onion powder;A few dashes of Frank’s Red Hot sauce (or to your preference);Salt and pepper to taste;Veggies or crackers for serving” ]In a bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to use my hands rather than a spoon for easy mixing. ;Transfer to a serving bowl, and serve with cut vegetables or crackers.[/lt_recipe]