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a plain plate of closed crustless whole-wheat finger sandwiches with a pale finely grated white-cheddar and smoked-Gouda spread containing small red pimento pieces, without orange cheddar, lettuce or garnish
Melissa Hart

Pimento Cheese Finger Sandwiches

Grate both cheeses finely so the pimento spread cuts neatly inside a narrow sandwich instead of dragging long shreds across the knife. White cheddar does most of the work, while a smaller amount of smoked Gouda gives the filling a savory edge without turning it into a smoky dip. Drain the pimentos until they look matte rather than glossy with jar liquid. There’s no cream cheese in this version, so let the grated cheeses sit briefly at room temperature before folding them into the mayonnaise. Keep the finished layer modest; the point of a tea finger is to eat the whole thing comfortably in a couple of bites.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
  

  • 6 oz sharp white cheddar finely grated
  • 3 oz smoked Gouda finely grated
  • 1 jar 4 oz diced pimentos, drained and blotted dry
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 16 thin slices soft whole-wheat sandwich bread

Method
 

  1. Let grated cheddar and Gouda stand at room temperature for 10 minutes while draining and blotting the pimentos. Chop any large pimento pieces smaller.
  2. Stir mayonnaise, Dijon, cayenne and black pepper together in a bowl. Fold in both cheeses and the pimentos until evenly coated, without processing the mixture smooth.
  3. Divide the spread among eight bread slices and smooth it into an even layer to the corners. Close with the remaining bread and press only lightly.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm the filling. Trim crusts with a sharp serrated knife, wiping the blade whenever cheese builds up on it.
  5. Cut each sandwich into three equal fingers for 24 pieces. Serve two per portion and keep covered and refrigerated until serving, using within 24 hours.