Homemade pimento cheese spread is the filling or the unusual appetizer.

MAKES 8

4  3"-4 1/2"-long kosher dill pickles
1 cup grated mild cheddar or american cheese
3 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 1/2 tbsp. drained chopped pimentos

1. Cut pickles in half lengthwise. Using a small sharp knife, cut out seeds by making a shallow V down on paper towels to let drain.

2. Put cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos into a small bowl and mix well with a fork. Using the fork, fill cavity of each pickle with some of the cheese filling, mounding filling slightly and covering whole cut side of pickle.