Sister Lillie Mae’s Homemade

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Homemade Pimento Cheese "The Caviar of the South"

This Southern delicacy, with its many interpretations, has been a journey of discovery for me. I've tasted some great and some not-so-amazing renditions that Southern folk were proud of. But when it comes to making good homemade pimento cheese, if you know, you know. It's not just about layering your flavors or adding the precise amount of perfect spices. My father-in-law, MJ Powell, would argue that texture and spreadability were essential. I'll never forget when he called me into his kitchen one Sunday and said, "Anita, do you see this pimento cheese right here?" Respectfully, I nodded as he confided the secret of good pimento cheese making, he noted that the person responsible for the spread before us had not passed muster on their attempt. This divinely appointed conversation with my father-in-law sparked a lifetime endeavor on my part to create a good ole southern pimento cheese recipe that MJ would be proud of. So, I named my original-style pimento cheese spread after my muse, MJ's Pimento Cheese Spread, to honor his inspiration and influence.

Patsy’s Perfect Potato Salad

Calm down, everyone; I'm not being arrogant about my potato salad! Geez! The name for my interpretation of this southern dish is threefold. I distinctly remember listening to the conversations between the women in Lillie Mae's kitchen one Saturday morning as they gathered to make chow-chow from the bounty of my grandparent's garden. One of the women shared that her mother was so particular about potato salad that she would only use perfectly cubed potatoes and discard any portions that fell short of perfection. I remember thinking, "Wow, her mom was serious about her potato salad." Also, I am proud to say that my husband loves my potato salad; to him, no other will do. He thinks it's perfect.

At last, my beloved mother's name is Patsy, which hints at the name. Growing up, she was very precise about food preparation when my sisters and I began cooking. She believes in doing things a certain way and is not shy about her food opinions. My mother's influence partly contributed to my lifelong goal of pleasing people with food. Sorry to disappoint, but the potatoes in my salad aren't perfectly cubed. As a matter of fact, some of their edges are indistinguishable. My perfectly imperfect, well-seasoned potato salad is not only Patsy-approved but husband-approved (plus my baby sister loves it!) therefore, I dubbed it Patsy's Perfect Potato Salad. I hope all who try it enjoy it!