Pe-Paw’s Delicious, Delightful, Delectable, and Delicate Spread
This timeless spread is straight from our treasured family cookbook, passed down through generations. A beloved recipe from my late grandfather, this savory blend holds a special place in our hearts. This versatile spread can be served on thin-sliced toast or crackers as an elegant appetizer, but it truly shines when paired with crispy fried fish patties—especially Southern-style catfish. The yield will vary depending on how you use it, but this recipe is perfect for enhancing medium-large fish patties or serving as a delightful hors d’oeuvre. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking to elevate your fish dish, Pe-Paw’s spread is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Recipe Category: Spreads
Keywords: Cheese, Under 15 Minutes, No Cook, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cream cheese |
| 2/3 cup | Mayonnaise |
| 2/3 cup | Pecans, finely chopped |
| 1 1/4 tsp | Ground black pepper |
| 3 tbsp | Olive juice (from jarred olives) |
| Optional | Thin-sliced olives (for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 349.7 |
| Fat | 33.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.7g |
| Cholesterol | 48.4mg |
| Sodium | 541.8mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.7g |
| Fiber | 2.1g |
| Sugar | 2.2g |
| Protein | 4.4g |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a mixing bowl, mash the cream cheese and mayonnaise together using a fork or spoon. Make sure to break up the cream cheese until it’s soft enough to stir. Once softened, stir well to combine until smooth and creamy. |
| 2 | Add the finely chopped pecans, olive juice, and ground black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. At this point, the mixture may appear mushy or gloppy, but this is perfectly normal. |
| 3 | Transfer the spread to an airtight container, cover it, and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours. The refrigeration process allows the flavors to meld and the texture to thicken. After chilling, serve on crackers, toast, or use it as a flavorful topping for fish patties. For an extra touch, garnish with thin-sliced olives if desired. |
This recipe may be simple, but it holds so much love and flavor in every bite. The cream cheese base provides a rich, tangy foundation, while the pecans add a delightful crunch. The olive juice and black pepper give it a bit of a briny kick, making it a great companion for fried fish or a satisfying snack on its own.
Enjoy this cherished family recipe, and feel free to put your own spin on it—whether that means adding extra olives, serving it with your favorite crackers, or experimenting with different types of nuts!
