Kicked Up Mini-Pimento Cheese Po-Boys

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 pound extra-sharp white cheddar, roughly grated
• 1/2 pound extra-sharp orange cheddar, roughly grated
• 8 ounces roasted red bell peppers, chopped
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade
• 1 cup sliced spicy ham (such as capicolla)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 individual French bread rolls or pistolets, halved lengthwise

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until brown and crisp, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool.

In a large bowl, combine the bacon white cheddar, orange cheddar, roasted peppers, mayonnaise, ham, green onions, garlic, essence and salt and pepper, and stir to blend. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.

Spread about 1/2 cup on each roll.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.