The pate of the South - pimiento cheese - has its own folklore, and University of Mississippi food academics are seeking classic recipes and recollections from cooks everywhere.
"Pimiento cheese or P.C. was born in the South. It's been fundamental to our bridge luncheons, picnic baskets, afternoon teas and light suppers since at least 1915," said Kendra Myers, an Atlanta playwright pursuing her master's degree in Southern studies at UM.
Southern Foodways Alliance, the Southeast Dairy Association and the Internet sitewww.ilovecheese.com are hosting the recollection contest. July 31 is entry deadline. The winner will receive a free trip to the much-heralded Southern Foodways symposium Oct. 2-5 in Oxford, Miss., a monster jar of pimientos and a wheel of delicious sharp cheddar cheese, said John T Edge, director of SFA headquartered on the UM campus.
"The winner also can take pride in knowing that Chef Louis Osteen of Louis's at Pawleys will feature the recipe on his restaurant menu for the month of November," he added. Osteen's renowned South Carolina Lowcountry restaurant on Pawleys Island won a "Best of 2002" by Esquire magazine.
Stories should be about 100 words and tell what pimiento cheese has meant to you. Include a recipe and details of its origins. Last year, SFA hosted a similar contest for potato salad and cole slaw.
Submissions should be e-mailed to [email protected]. Three finalists will be announced Aug. 31, Edge said. Questions should be directed to SFA at 662-915-5993.
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