Chez Les Hawthornes.

Welcome to my little corner of the world.

Mr. Hawthorne made pimiento cheese yesterday - grated cheddar cheese, pimientos, mayo, and green olives. Every now and then, I like the addition of the green olives for a little extra oomph. Terrific on a Ritz.

For lunch, he made a grilled whole wheat sandwich with a slice of Kentucky Double Smoked Ham, tomatoes, and pimiento cheese. Quite a tasty delicacy.

Next up, appetizers.

Our friend, SouthDriveIn, gifted us with some Padron Peppers (Pimientos de Padron). Thanks, South!

We sauteed these in oil, according to the cooking instructions on the package.

Let the peppers brown and puff.

Then salt.

Peppery goodness.

Most are mild, but every now and then you get a spicy one. We're saving the seeds to plant in the garden next spring. Thanks again, South! Pizza time!

Grated cheese on the bottom, then tomato sauce, oregano, grilled portabellos, green peppers, sliced black olives, and onions.

More cheese on top.

Bake in a 500 degree oven on a pizza stone until heated through and the cheese is browned - about 8 - 10 minutes.

Sprinkling of cayenne flakes.

Guess who came home tonight?

Welcome to a new section of my garden.

Mr. Hawthorne Makes Grilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches.

Mr. Hawthorne makes a wonderful pimiento cheese spread -
 just grated cheddar cheese,
a drained jar of pimentos, and mayo.
(I don't like as much mayo in mine as he puts in his.)
Sometimes he puts in green olives for a little amplification.

Mr. Hawthorne was inspired to make a grilled pimiento cheese sandwich
 after seeing the one pictured in Our State magazine.
 Our State's July issue offered  
100 Foods You Must Eat In North Carolina's 100 Counties.
 For Rutherford County, in the southwestern part of the state,
Smith's Drugs of Forest City was featured
 with their grilled pimento cheese sandwich.

Talk about rich!
Buttery, cheesy goodness.
 Sweet, tangy pimientos.
 Needs more pimientos in the pic.

All this needed was some pickle slices on top,
maybe a sprinkling of sliced green olives,
and a side of salty potato chips.
 Oh, Ticky.
Them's whole wheat breads bein' buttered and grilled.