GRILLED PIMENTO CHEESE BITES AND FRIED DILL PICKLES WITH HORSERADISH SAUCE

Grilled Pimento Cheese Bites

½ pound cheddar cheese, grated

1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos, drained and chopped

1 tablespoon minced jalapeño

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

6 slices fresh bread, crusts removed and cut on a diagonal

2 tablespoons butter

Mix the cheddar cheese, pimentos, minced jalapeño, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl. Check seasonings. Spread cheese mixture over 3 bread slices and top each one with remaining slices. In a pan over medium-low heat, melt butter and add sandwiches. Using a flat spatula, gently press down on each sandwich and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Flip sandwiches over and press down again on each sandwich until cheese is melting and bread is golden brown on each side. Add extra butter if needed. Remove from heat, and transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot.

Yield: 3 servings

Fried Dill Pickles

Vegetable oil for frying

2 cups flour

¼ cup cornstarch

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

In a large skillet, heat oil in a large skillet until temperature reaches 350 degrees. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until combined. Place a handful of pickle slices in buttermilk mixture and gently stir with a fork to coat. Using a slotted spoon, remove pickles, shaking off excess, then place them in flour mixture, tossing to coat. Add breaded pickles to hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. Once browned, remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat process with remaining pickles. Serve hot with horseradish sauce.