First In Restoration is the best in Georgia for water damage restoration and mold remediation. We hope you are watching The Masters this weekend but if you are watching water creep across your floor, we’re the pros you call. But let’s get to the good stuff. A fun and delicious recipe.

If you’re hosting a Masters Sunday party, there’s only one thing you absolutely need on the menu, and that is pimento cheese. 

Our Favorite Pimento Cheese (Masters Style)

Everyone has their favorite pimento cheese. Our favorite is from Augusta National and can only be found the week of the Masters on their property. Now, this isn’t the actual recipe, but it’s a wonderful copycat and it is about as close to the real deal as you can get without sneaking into Augusta’s clubhouse kitchen. 

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (shred yourself: do not buy pre-shredded)
• 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded (shred yourself: do not buy pre-shredded)
• 4-5 oz of softened cream cheese (We like ours creamier and sometimes put the whole brick in – but adjust the seasonings accordingly)
• 1/2 cup of Duke’s mayonnaise (yes, name brand only — it makes a difference)
• 4 oz. jar of diced pimientos (drained)
• 1 heaping teaspoon of finely minced onion
• 1/4 teaspon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspooon of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

Mix it all together (stir the pimentos in last and fold them in). We like to let it marinate in the fridge for about an hour and then serve. We like for it to be room temperature so it’s easier to spread. 

How to Serve It

• Classic sandwich: Two slices of soft white bread, no crust.
• Party dip: Pair it with celery sticks, crackers or tortilla chips.
• Snack tray: Add it to your charcuterie board.
• Use your food processor to make it more of a whipped dip if you prefer that type of texture.

Hosting Tip:

We recommend making a double batch of our version of Masters Pimento Cheese—you will run out. And trust us, you don’t want guests putting divots in your drywall trying to lick the bowl clean.

From Augusta to Loganville, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s pimento cheese on the porch or a plumbing emergency in the middle of your watch party, don’t “FORE-Get” that First In Restoration is your go-to for water damage emergencies. We’re IICRC certified and here 24/7 for water damage, emergency plumbing and mold remediation: 470-748-0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Water damage restoration is our specialty, but we also know that nothing brings people together like a good snack—especially when dealing with unexpected home repairs! Whether you’re hosting guests or just need a comforting bite after a long day, this Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream (sometimes we use a little more if we want it creamier)
• 1 cup shredded Italian blend of cheese: (1/4 cup each of: Mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Provolone (Shred yourself so it melts better).
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped finely (we use the food processor)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (taste and add more as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (taste and add more as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (taste and add more as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (taste and add more as needed)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed pepper flakes (taste and add more as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 1-2 quart baking dish.
2. Saute garlic: Heat a little olive oil in a pan on the stove top. Add chopped garlic and let it saute until fragrant for about 30 seconds.
3. Prepare and cook spinach and artichokes: Squeeze excess moisture out of the thawed spinach and chop. Chop the artichoke hearts. Add spinach and artichokes to the pan of garlic. Add red pepper flakes and salt. Cook and stir occasionally until artichokes are warmed through and the spinach has started to wilt (this takes about five minutes).
4. Combine with cheeses: In a medium sized bowl mix the cream cheese, Italian cheese blend, sour cream and the warmed spinach and artichoke mixture. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper. Taste and if needed you can add additional pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Combine thoroughly.
5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared 1-2 quart baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges.
7. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, sliced baguette or fresh veggies (sometimes we just grab a fork and eat it that way!). We like to keep this dip in a crock pot during parties.

Just like First In Restoration is Georgia’s trusted name in water damage restoration, this spinach and artichoke dip is a go-to recipe you can always count on!

If your home ever faces water damage, don’t wait—call First In Restoration at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com. But in the meantime, enjoy this dip and let us know if you make it!

March 13th is National Popcorn Lover’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a fresh, buttery batch of perfectly popped home made popcorn? Whether you’re settling in for a movie night or just need a quick snack, homemade popcorn is easy to make and way better than the pre-packaged microwave stuff.

At First In Restoration, we know that small things—like a burst pipe—can cause big problems, but thankfully, small things—like a perfect batch of popcorn—can also bring BIG joy! We hope you enjoy our delicious but simple recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/3 cup high-quality popcorn kernels
• 1 tablespoon butter (or more to taste, optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions for the Perfect Homemade Popcorn:

1. Heat the Oil – In a medium to large, heavy-bottomed pot (or dutch oven) heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Drop in 3 test kernels and wait for them to pop.
2. Add the Rest of the Kernels – Once the test kernels pop, pour in all 1/3 cup of kernels, cover the pot, and remove from heat for 30 seconds—this helps ensure even popping.
3. Shake It Up – Put the pot back on the stove over medium heat. Shake the pot gently back and forth while the kernels pop. If you keep the lid slightly off you’ll let steam escape which will help keep the popcorn crispy (not tough).
4. Listen Closely – When the popping slows to about one pop every few seconds, remove the pot from heat.
5. Butter & Season – If using butter, melt it and drizzle over the popcorn. Sprinkle salt to taste and toss well. Another fun option: Try adding parmesan, cinnamon sugar, or chili powder for a twist!

At First In Restoration, we know life can be unpredictable—whether it’s a cozy movie night with the perfect homemade popcorn, or an unexpected water damage emergency. If a burst pipe or flooding threatens your home, our expert team is ready 24/7 to handle water mitigation, mold removal and full restoration. 

Homeowners in Georgia from Loganville and beyond trust us to get their homes back to normal, fast! Call 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com.