The Masters in Augusta is one of the most storied golf tournaments; held at Augusta National on beautiful, almost hallowed ground.  This tournament is about Tradition, Sportsmanship, Southern Hospitality, Good Manners, Good Simple Food at fair prices, and Great Golf.  It is about legends in the golfing world.  Badges (tickets) to the tournament are passed down through the generations.  It is a treat to attend!

 One of my favorite memories is the famous 1986 Masters Tournament.   The entire Miller family was vacationing at Amelia Island, FL.  A first grandchild, Gloria was 3 months old.  I was 8 months pregnant with Lizzy.   And triplet Liz was 6 months pregnant with Warren.  Our family and friends were gathered around a small 20 inch TV, watching anxiously, then screaming wildly, then jumping up and down as the Masters Tournament entered the final stretch; the famous Back Nine and  Amen Corner.

Being a golfing family, we love the history and the lure of the Masters.  My husband Dave, at 10 years old, decided he liked this new guy, Jack Nicklaus.  Most golfing fans at that time were Arnold Palmer fans (Arnie’s Army).  Dave’s family, spurred by Dave’s interest, became great Nicklaus fans.

The 1986 Masters Tournament became one of those “I remember what I was doing when…” moments.

Coming from behind, Jack Nicklaus won the Masters at 46 years of age. Unheard of at that time.  He rolled in birdie after birdie plus an eagle to finish with a 65 (–7), with a back nine of 30 (–6), for a total score of 279 (–9). under par.  The roars at Augusta National must have echoed across the hills and valleys.

Wonder if another 46 year old could win The Masters this year?  Another one of my favorites…Phil Mickelson!

Most golfing fans are aware of the Green Jacket tradition at The Masters.

 Another unique Masters tradition has fans getting to the course early; walking not running to place a folding chair at the hole they would like to end the day with.  Fans are then free to walk around the course following their favorite players.  No one would dare move a chair placed early in the day. Tradition and Sportsmanship.

I have no pictures of the course during the tournament because no photography is allowed within the gates.  “Cell phones, beepers and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited on the grounds at all times. Cameras are strictly prohibited on Tournament days (Thursday – Sunday) but allowed on practice rounds days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

Anyone violating this policy will be subject to removal from the grounds and the permanent loss of credentials (tickets).”

Another long time tradition at The Masters is the food; simple food at great prices.  Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwiches and Egg Salad Sandwiches, made fresh on the premises, each costing only a whopping $1.50.

In honor of The Masters I am including my version of the Pimento Cheese Sandwich.

Kathy’s Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Serving Size:

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Ingredients

• 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
• Duke's mayonnaise to your favorite consistency (start with 1/3 cup)
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• Fresh ground pepper to taste
• Optional ingredients
• chopped pecans
• diced jalapenos

Instructions

1. Shred cheddar cheese in a food processor.
2. Add mayo to desired consistency.
3. Mix in other ingredients.

Notes

The Masters Tournament always serve their pimento cheese on white bread. I also love using Rosemary Olive Oil Bread. Many Southern cooks swear by Duke's Mayonnaise in their pimento cheese or egg salad sandwiches.

By KathyMillerTime

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

Egg Salad Sandwich

Serving Size:

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Ingredients

• 1 dozen hard-boiled, peeled eggs
• 3 tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 7 shakes of Crystal hot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
• 4 teaspoons Wickles Relish
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring eggs covered with water to a boil. When boiling, cover with lid and turn off the heat. Allow to sit 20 minutes.
2. Drain immediately and fill the saucepan with cold water. Peel eggs under cold running water. Chop peeled eggs in a bowl.
3. Combine the rest of the ingredients.
4. Add more mayo if needed to achieve right consistency.
5. Masters style...Serve on white bread.

Notes

The Wickles relish adds a wickedly delicious kick to the egg salad.You might want to use your favorite sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish.

By KathyMillerTime

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

 Speaking of eggs, April is a good month for hard boiled eggs.  Whether you are making egg salad to celebrate The Masters or dying eggs with kids for Easter Egg Hunts, make the most of our nice April weather!

Come celebrate with me.  I’ll save you a seat at the table.