This pimento cheese spread is molded into the shape of a brain. I also added some blue food coloring to the mayonnaise mixture to make the color more brain-like.Already a little spicy on its own, the pepper jelly "blood" adds a sweet-hot element that is a nice contrast to the savory cheese spread.A great appetizer for Halloween, this spread will work any time of year. Just omit the food coloring, forgo the brain mold, and enjoy with a bit of pepper jelly (or not).
Spray your brain mold (if using) liberally with pan spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheese, pimentos, and pickled jalapenos.
In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add food coloring (if using), garlic powder, spices, salt, and pepper and whisk until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cheese mixture and fold together well so everything is evenly incorporated.
Spoon into the greased mold, pressing down each spoonful with the back of the spoon to make sure it gets into all the crevices and so there are no air pockets.
Fill with all the pimento cheese--I had about 1 1/2" "head space" left after filling. That's fine.
Smooth the mixture out so it is as level as you can get it. This will help keep it from breaking when you unmold it.
Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cheese, again smoothing it as much as you can.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.
When it's time to unmold, dip the bottom of the mold into very hot water for 30-60 seconds.
Remove the plastic wrap.
Break the suction as well as you can by pressing in along the sides of the mold.
Place a serving platter on top of the mold and carefully flip the whole thing right-side-up.
Give a few hard, vigorous shakes to the whole shebang, and your pimento cheese brain will plop out onto the plate.
If it doesn't release after a few shakes, repeat the dipping and pressing again. I promise it will come out in one piece even if you start feeling sweaty and unsure.
Stir about 1/2 cup pepper jelly to loosen it up, then pour it into a piping bag fitted with a #5 tip (or similar round tip). Pipe the pepper jelly "blood" in curlicues all over the brain and around the base of the pimento cheese.
Serve with crackers, pita, or vegetables.
Notes
Do not substitute pre-shredded cheese for "block cheese" that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded contains addititives to keep it from sticking together, and we want this cheese spread to compress and hold its shape.