The 'pâté of the South' isn't really very Southern at all.
, which began as a humble breakfast food and was elevated by Southern chefs into a fine-dining entrée.
Though produced primarily in New York, cream cheese somehow became linked with the city of Philadelphia, and the New York-based Phenix Cheese became the market leader with its"Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese," which was later acquired by the Kraft Cheese Company. The Domestic Scientists loved canned pimentos, too, especially their mild, inoffensive flavor and their flashy red color. In 1899, the editors of theincluded a cauliflower and pimento salad on their Monday dinner menu for August, noting that,"on account of their brilliant color, pimentos are a pleasing addition to many a salad, and when used sparingly their sweet, mild flavor is usually relished."It was only a matter of time before the two ingredients were brought together.
Some have suggested that Georgia's huge pimento production was the reason that pimento cheese became much more popular in the South than elsewhere in the country. But, the peak of Georgia pimento production—the 1920s through the 1940s—corresponds directly with the national pimento cheese boom. Georgia pimentos were canned and shipped nationwide, and their availability seems to have increased the popularity of pimento cheese all over the country.
In any event, replacing the cream cheese with hoop cheese seems to have been an essential step in creating today's Southern icon. Grated cheese needs something to bind it together, and mayonnaise fits the bill for that perfectly. From there, any number of other enhancements—from onions and mustard to lemon juice and jalapenos—could add new flavors and make a more interesting spread.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How to Pair Cheese with Cheese Crackers for Double the CheeseIt's the ultimate cheese eating experience.
Read more »
3 Tricks for Making Sure Cheese Never Clumps in PastaPlease tell us you're not dumping your cheese in all at once.
Read more »
Turn Broccoli With Cheese Into a Grown-Up Side DishClassic broccoli and cheese gets an update with nutty Manchego grated over lightly charred spears.
Read more »
Nutella Grilled CheeseThis melted chocolate and cheese sandwich is what after-school snack dreams are made of.
Read more »
Jennifer Aniston Can't Wait to Prove Herself as a Dramatic ActressThe Morning Show is something different for the sitcom icon.
Read more »
Is 'New Jersey Cuisine' a Thing?We asked a few experts: What is New Jersey cuisine? Their answer, more or less, was: What isn't?
Read more »