Pimento Cheese Contest Winner: Marsh Pickett, Jr.

Marsh Pickett, Jr. with his prize-winning pimento cheese spread. Recipe below.

A history major by degree, Marsh Pickett, Jr. has been managing restaurants for most of his life, dabbling in the creation of what he calls "Southern comfort" foods. Although he didn't realize that the culinary arts would play such an important role in his life while a college student at Delta State University, Pickett would be the first to tell you that life has a way of steering you in the right direction.

Not one to back down from adversity, Pickett had to fight for his life in 2004 and 2005 by beating cancer and staph infection. Prior to this, he dabbled in cooking but once he regained his health, something clicked, causing him to pursue the culinary arts with a vengeance. "I learned mostly from watching the late Justin Wilson's cooking shows and the Food Network," Pickett said.

Speaking of the Food Network, Pickett readily admits that his favorite celebrity chef is Bobby Flay and confesses to watching Diners Drive-Ins and Dives religiously. "I literally take notes when I see something interesting," he states.

Although the comfort foods are perhaps his specialty, Pickett's truest love is good ol' bar-be-que.

Pickett recalls, "My father, Marsh Pickett, Sr., and my late uncle Billy Pickett hooked me on bar-be-que many years ago during our Fouth of July family outings--ribs and pork chops cooked on an open pit." He continues, "Daddy and Uncle Bill started before dawn, Daddy mopping one side while Uncle Bill mopped the other. I guess my bar-be-que love is genetic. I smoke my meats and even have a recipe for smoked meatloaf. I work for others while I continually refine my recipes and search for something new and exciting."

Pickett has been married to Deidre Nations Pickett for many years and together they have two daughters, Zola Kathryn Pickett and Haley Marsh Pickett. Although his dream is to one day own his own diner, he has put it on hold until his children graduate from college, another dream of his.

On his artistry, Pickett states simply, "What artist is ever satisfied? Some sing, some dance, some use a canvas. My art sits on a plate and I don't think I'll ever be fully satisfied. I'm always wondering, 'How can I make it better?'"


Delta Boy Pimento Cheese

3 cups grated mild cheddar
2 cups grated Monterrey Jack cheese
2 jars sliced pimento with liquid
4 slices crisp bacon crumbled
2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
3 tbsp. dill mustard

Mix well. This melts nicely on burgers or hot dogs. Grill your pimento cheese sandwich in butter or on a sandwich press.