Chipotle Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Celery

This stuffed celery is not your classic retro pimento cheese stuffed celery. It is a easy spicy stuffed celery that is simple, and very tasty. It looks great on your salad plate or on any appetizer tray, which is how I served them at a reception along with White Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Celery and Ham Rolls. This also makes a great spread for finger sandwiches or on Hawaiian rolls. When making this cheese spread, I always shred the cheese myself to get that creamy cheese texture not typical in packaged shredded cheese.



Chipotle Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Celery

8 stalks celery, leaf and ends cut off
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 -2 teaspoons southwest chipotle seasoning blend
1-1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 4 oz. jar diced pimentos, drained well
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the celery ribs so they sit flat; Set aside. Hand shred the Cheddar cheese and put in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add the cream cheese and cream all together until creamy and smooth. Remove lid and sprinkle with the chipotle seasoning blend. Add mayonnaise and blend until creamy. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and fold in the pimentos gently not to mash them. Fill the celery stick and slice 2 inches long. Garnish with cilantro.