Let's talk about Spam

[The Nid Hog]

Not the stuff that clogs up your mailbox. The stuff that comes in a pull-top can. Pork luncheon meat to you purists.

When I was a kid growing up, Spam would occasionally show up on our dinner table, pan fried in a sandwich or served alongside a couple of fried eggs. I never really liked it. Homogeneous texture and way too salty. After I left home, I never thought about buying it--it was one of the weird things like Postum that my folks had around the house but that I didn't plan carrying on as a family tradition.

Fast forward to me living in Asia. When I go to the local grocery stores, it turns out that there are a mind-numbing variety of canned meats. Some from China come in No. 10 tin cans or in long metal cylinders that look like they were made for packing a howitzer round. There's stuff from Brazil and from Central Europe. And everybody says that the gold standard is Tulip, canned in Denmark. That's a lot of canned pork.

But is it worth eating? Living in a country like the US where great cuts of meat are cheap and plentiful, why bother? Somebody must like it, because it seems to be selling. Low sodium, turkey, bacon and cheese--there seems to be even more varieties than ever. How about you? Any good Spam stories or recipies?

I'll just say that you haven't lived until you've had Spam tempura.

[Shane]

Spam & eggs is delicious, as is Spam, American and mayo on white bread.

[krissy]

i am not a fan of spam, cause when we lived in Indonesia in the 80's there was a hoof-and-mouth scare with the water buffalo there so we ate a LOT of spam and tuna. Now i can't eat either very often.

BUT one thing I did like was a simple sandwich my MIL use to make. It was spam mixed with shredded cheese spread on a half of bun. Then the bun (open face) would be put under the broiler. Now that was actually really good !!!! I don't make it often but maybe once a year, just to remember one dish my MIL use to make (also for my kids) when there was a lot of company over or she needed something quick and fast and easy to put on the table. (she didn't make it often either)

[luvmysuper]

Diced spam and mac'n'cheese.:001_tongu

Fried egg n spam sandwich with mayo. :001_tongu

Ahhh, spam - a cheap thrill.

[82R100]

Believe it or not, the first food my wife could face after a rough bout of morning sickness was












pan-fried spam.

- Chris

[cthip]

I'll just say that you haven't lived until you've had Spam tempura.

i'll see your spam tempura and raise you a spam musubi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_musubi

pan-fried slices of spam, scrambled eggs, and rice is a great hangover breakfast also (soy sauce or sriracha optional)

[Sue]

Spam was frequently on our dinner plate when I was a kid. Spam, bean soup and potato soup were staple dinners. Oh and SOS (Sh** on a Shingle). For those who don't know SOS is canned dried beef in milk gravy over toast. I still like all of the poor mans meals. Once the weather cools I'll be making bean soup with ham and cornbread or potato soap and bisquits--gotta have honey butter for both the cornbread and bisquits. Mom's meals = comfort food :smile:. Spam, sliced thin and fried crisp with eggs, good stuff. Cornbeef hash is another favorite with a couple fried eggs.
Sue

[Tacheless]

You will Love this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE&feature=related

[Lynchmeister]

Haven't had Spam in years, but don't remember it as being too offensive.

On a side note, one of my best friends grew up in Spam's hometown of Austin, MN (Hormel HQ located there). You know how every town has some type of summer festival? Well, in Austin they've got Spam Jam. :lol:

[Johnny Dale]

I had spam and eggs just this morning. I always have a few tins in the cupboard for something quick to eat. I usually add it to beans or mix with egg beaters & mushrooms.

Never had it as a kid though! :001_tongu

[Mazeman]

I love fried Spam, but my wife and daughter don't.

Thankfully, they make single serving packages now.:smile:

I remember when you had to open Spam with a key.

[Sue]

I love fried Spam, but my wife and daughter don't.

Thankfully, they make single serving packages now.:smile:

I remember when you had to open Spam with a key.


Me too, we're old aren't we.

SSshhh..........Don't tell anyone.

"Well sonny, back in the olden days we used to open Spam with a key.":001_tongu
Sue

[ClubmanRob]

This is what I think about when I hear the word "Spam".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdpsfBsN_Dg

[thunderball]

I'll just say that you haven't lived until you've had Spam tempura.

Agreed. A deliciously sinful and salty cholesterol bomb but man-o-man does it taste good with an ice cold beer after work. :drool:

[David in Boston]

But I don't like SPAM!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE

[richmondesi]

My family loved spam when I was growing up, with the exception of my mother. She called it "dog food". I'll never forget the time we went to the grocery store, and in front of about 15 people I requested my favorite canned meat using her term and exclaimed "it's my favorite"... She was so embarrassed, and looking back I can understand why especially the way that everyone else was looking at us :lol:

[Doc4]

But I don't like SPAM!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE

I'll have yours ... I love it!

[The Nid Hog]

i'll see your spam tempura and raise you a spam musubi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_musubi

pan-fried slices of spam, scrambled eggs, and rice is a great hangover breakfast also (soy sauce or sriracha optional)


Agreed. A deliciously sinful and salty cholesterol bomb but man-o-man does it taste good with an ice cold beer after work. :drool:

In fact, the best way that I had Spam tempura was in a Spam musubi-like dish. A friend of mine owned an izakaya in Okinawa and this was his chef's specialty.

Make a large, generally triangular shaped rice ball. Poke a good sized hole in the side of the ball and fill it with andansu. Andansu is an Okinawan specialty made out of shredded leftover pork, dark miso, sugar, awamori (like Okinawan shochu) and some bonito flakes all simmered together until it's the consistency of thick peanut butter. Then, a tempura-fried slice of Spam goes over the hole. The entire thing is wrapped in a crisp sheet of nori.

Like Thunderball said, one of these with a frosty mug of beer is heaven!

[Luc]

I should probably give spam another go. Last time I had it, I think I was 12 and didn't like it much... It reminded me of dog food...

[Spivey]

My mom used to make us "Pizza Burgers," which we LOVED...until we found out that they had Spam in them. It took us years to come around.

Spam, canned pizza sauce and mozz cheese mixed up, spread over hamburger bun halves and broiled.

Delicious!

[Sue]

I should probably give spam another go. Last time I had it, I think I was 12 and didn't like it much... It reminded me of dog food...

Have you seen the price of quality dog food lately? My dog almost eats better than I do.
Sue

[Johnny Dale]

I should probably give spam another go. Last time I had it, I think I was 12 and didn't like it much... It reminded me of dog food...

Why Not? It's only a couple of bucks for a tin at WallyWorld. I have not had the courage to try a spam sandwich yet. :ohmy:

[Mazeman]

I should probably give spam another go. Last time I had it, I think I was 12 and didn't like it much... It reminded me of dog food...

If you're gonna do this, slice it and fry it. Then make a sandwich with toast and mayo or mustard. Or else serve with eggs.

Uncooked Spam is good, but only for the hardcore lovers.:001_smile

[slcsteve]

Spam ice cream.

Spam au Vin.

Spam on the bottom of my shoe.

[knlgskr]

I like Spam except for the salt; if they had a salt-free version, I would eat it frequently; I do not care for salt in or on anything.

[luvmysuper]

I like Spam except for the salt; if they had a salt-free version, I would eat it frequently; I do not care for salt in or on anything.

25 percent less than normal. Go on.... splurge a little.

[Alacrity59]

Spam & eggs is delicious, as is Spam, American and mayo on white bread.

Is "American" the orange process cheese food or tomato ketchup?

[luvmysuper]

Is "American" the orange process cheese food or tomato ketchup?

I believe he refers to "American" as the pasty bland product often referred to in this country as "cheese"

[slcsteve]

If I had to choose between Spam and Soylent Green, I'd opt for the Soylent Green.

Det. Thorn: "It's people. Soylent Green (Spam) is made out of people. They're making our food out of people. Next thing they'll be breeding us like cattle for food. You've gotta tell them. You've gotta tell them!"
Hatcher: "I promise, Tiger. I promise. I'll tell the exchange."
Det. Thorn: "You tell everybody. Listen to me, Hatcher. You've gotta tell them! Soylent Green (Spam)is people! We've gotta stop them somehow".

[Sue]

I believe he refers to "American" as the pasty bland product often referred to in this country as "cheese"


I'd bet it is 'American' sliced cheese. Fake, like velveeta. Fake like Cheeze Whiz, fake, like Kraft cheese spread in jar, Fake, like Easy Cheese in an aerosol can. We like it!
Sue

[luvmysuper]

I'd bet it is 'American' sliced cheese. Fake, like velveeta. Fake like Cheeze Whiz, fake, like Kraft cheese spread in jar, Fake, like Easy Cheese in an aerosol can. We like it!
Sue

Ok, aside from the powdered type that goes in the mac'n'cheese, aerosol cheese is probably my second fav.:lol::lol::lol:

[senorsignor]

I once ran in a goofy road race called Chilly Chilli, in IL in the middle of winter. People usually dress up in funny costumes, and there is an award for least dressed. Anyway, They had a spam aid station. The grossest stuff made from spam. Spamorade (spam sports drink), spamellos (jello with chunks of spam in it), etc. What a riot!
I love spam! I'll have to buy some next time I go shopping.

[CowboyKissle]

I've got a couple cans in the pantry and this thread is making me hungry! I think I'll fry some up with some eggs and get an early start on breakfast. You can't go wrong with SPAM. A friend's wife used to make use something called "spammers" that sound a lot like the open faced sandwich mentioned above. They were great the morning after a particularly festive night.

[ClubmanRob]

Just curious, do they make a kosher Spam?

[Jim]

Spam is spiced ham,

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/spam.jpg


ham is from hogs,

http://www.democracycellproject.net/blog/hogs%20for%20sale.jpg


bacon is from hogs.


http://blogchef.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/crispy_bacon_1.jpg
MMmmmm Bacon



Spam is... good.

[Sue]

I love your logic Jim!
Sue

[knlgskr]

How about some of the Spam wannabes Prem, Treet? Underwood Deviled Ham anyone?

[luvmysuper]

Just curious, do they make a kosher Spam?

Nope, but I do.

[ClubmanRob]

Nope, but I do.

Yummy!

Seriously, I've eaten kosher for the last fifteen years but I miss the Spam of my childhood. I was told that Hormel was working on an all-beef substitute, but I haven't heard it mentioned.

[richmondesi]

Yummy!

Seriously, I've eaten kosher for the last fifteen years but I miss the Spam of my childhood. I was told that Hormel was working on an all-beef substitute, but I haven't heard it mentioned.

How is a Kosher diet? I eat Hebrew National hotdogs, and salt, but that's about it

[luvmysuper]

Yummy!

Seriously, I've eaten kosher for the last fifteen years but I miss the Spam of my childhood. I was told that Hormel was working on an all-beef substitute, but I haven't heard it mentioned.

While searching to find the images for my abomination, I did see on google that there is a Kosher Spam substitute made in Isreal. Google Kosher Spam.

[luvmysuper]

How is a Kosher diet? I eat Hebrew National hotdogs, and salt, but that's about it

Don't you get tired of just eating Hebrew National Hotdogs and salt?

:lol::lol:

[ClubmanRob]

How is a Kosher diet? I eat Hebrew National hotdogs, and salt, but that's about it

It works out pretty good for me. I guess technically it's not a "true" kosher diet, but I don't eat any pork or shellfish. I would say I eat 80% beef, 5% poultry, 10% grain and wheat, and 5% vegetable. Blood pressure is normal, weight is considered ideal for my height, and my blood sugar stays stable so far as I eat regularly (I'm hypoglycemic, so I have to keep an eye on my glucose level). I try to stay away from anything overly salty and keep away from fried foods too often. It may sound strange, but I haven't had any green vegetables since I was a kid. I eat basically only what I like and eat as much as I want. That's an ideal diet, to me. :biggrin:

And a big +1 on the Hebrew Nationals. I eat at least a pack a week.

EDIT: Thanks Phil. I saw that earlier, but nothing on the US counterpart. I wonder if they ever made it here, or just imported it from Israel.

[richmondesi]

Don't you get tired of just eating Hebrew National Hotdogs and salt?

:lol::lol:

Not exclusively...that's the only aspect of my diet that's "Kosher" :lol:


It works out pretty good for me. I guess technically it's not a "true" kosher diet, but I don't eat any pork or shellfish. I would say I eat 85% beef, 10% grain and wheat, and 5% vegetable. Blood pressure is normal, weight is considered ideal for my height, and my blood sugar stays stable so far as I eat regularly (I'm hypoglycemic, so I have to keep an eye on my glucose level). I try to stay away from anything overly salty and keep away from fried foods too often. It may sound strange, but I haven't had any green vegetables since I was a kid. I eat basically only what I like and eat as much as I want. That's an ideal diet, to me. :biggrin:

Sounds good to me... just don't fill my kids in on that secret:001_tongu

[Obsessed]

In case anyone is really interested:

http://www.jewfaq.org/kashrut.htm

[blantyre]

Spam does seem to be very popular in Asia. I remember seeing Spam bagels along with prosciutto and gruyere in a trendy little coffee shop in Tokyo a few years ago. The spam actually cost more than the ham and Swiss. I used to eat Spam fritters - spam in batter and fried (probably sold as Tempura spam in Japan). Pretty good with baked beans.

I would certainly rather eat spam than read it.

[richmondesi]

Spam does seem to be very popular in Asia. I remember seeing Spam bagels along with prosciutto and gruyere in a trendy little coffee shop in Tokyo a few years ago. The spam actually cost more than the ham and Swiss. I used to eat Spam fritters - spam in batter and fried (probably sold as Tempura spam in Japan). Pretty good with baked beans.

I would certainly rather eat spam than read it.

+1:biggrin:

[tsmba]

Spam is kind of like fruitcake, a lot of folks tend to poke fun at it that have likely never even tasted it. We used to eat it when we were camping. I still recall how salty is seemed. That said, it wasn't too bad. It seems to get a bad rap from a lot of folks.

[Topgumby]

I had heard that spam was big in Hawaii. A group of Seabee reservists from Hawaii showed up at the camp I was at in Kuwait.

I got a case of Spam by doing some horse trading with the Air Force...they seemed to think I was crazy for trading hooch for Spam, but that's the free market.

When I went to see the Seabees with a request from my boss to get some lighting put up, they were not very enthused, until I offered a gift of Spam.

Next think I knew, our work area had lighting, outlets and a nice wooden deck and furniture. The boss pronounced me a miracle worker.

Thank you, Spam!

[The Nid Hog]

Topgumby's post shows how Spam spread across Asia. Wherever we had American bases, we brought Spam. Hawaii had the bases before the war, so they had a head start. During and after WWII, we distributed Spam when we were trying to feed displaced people or working on reconstruction. At one level, people were happy just to be able to eat after hard times, and they have positive memories about Spam because of that. At a deeper level, many of these places valued pork and only had it very rarely--usually on important occasions. With Spam, they could have nice fatty pork whenever they wanted. It was like Christmas every day.

[OpusX]

Oh Spam. This seems to be a love it or hate it type of food. I love it. Couple slices of Bacon Spam or Hickory Smoked Spam fried up in a cast iron skillet with eggs....mmmmmmmmmmmmm that's a good break fast :001_tt1:

[Doc4]

Spam is kind of like fruitcake, a lot of folks tend to poke fun at it that have likely never even tasted it. We used to eat it when we were camping. I still recall how salty is seemed. That said, it wasn't too bad. It seems to get a bad rap from a lot of folks.

Oddly enough, there's a tin of spam that's been re-gifted within my extended family for the past 17 Christmases.

[knlgskr]

Spam was frequently on our dinner plate when I was a kid. Spam, bean soup and potato soup were staple dinners. Oh and SOS (Sh** on a Shingle). For those who don't know SOS is canned dried beef in milk gravy over toast. I still like all of the poor mans meals. Once the weather cools I'll be making bean soup with ham and cornbread or potato soap and bisquits--gotta have honey butter for both the cornbread and bisquits. Mom's meals = comfort food :smile:. Spam, sliced thin and fried crisp with eggs, good stuff. Cornbeef hash is another favorite with a couple fried eggs.
Sue

Sounds like we ate a similar diet, still like most of it. 12-16 salt tablets a day during my GI boot days gave me an aversion to salt that persists today #$%^.


Topgumby's post shows how Spam spread across Asia. Wherever we had American bases, we brought Spam. Hawaii had the bases before the war, so they had a head start. During and after WWII, we distributed Spam when we were trying to feed displaced people or working on reconstruction. At one level, people were happy just to be able to eat after hard times, and they have positive memories about Spam because of that. At a deeper level, many of these places valued pork and only had it very rarely--usually on important occasions. With Spam, they could have nice fatty pork whenever they wanted. It was like Christmas every day.

Excellent post, what we take for granted in food isn't wishful thinking in many areas of the world. Spam probably has done more good for the USA PRwise than all the foreign aid dollars combined and at much less cost. Good product with bad rep/press; we probably have eaten much worse and were not aware or didn't care.

[Ulysses]

SPAM! I wish I saw this sooner. The only occasion I've had spam is when my Granny makes Spam & Peas. I know it has potatoes as well and some kind of creamy sauce. So that said, I don't have anything against Spam but I haven't tried it without peas, potatoes, and sauce.

[Johnny Dale]

There IS a GOD!

MMmmmnnnn!!!

[David in Boston]

There IS a GOD!

MMmmmnnnn!!!


OMG!!!:w00t:

I didn't know they made SPAM with bacon.

That would make a great omelet.

[Walter Sobchak]

We occasionally had Spam in my house, too. Sometimes for Sunday morning breakfasts, sometimes fried with potatoes and onions, and sometimes in a strange but delicious homemade baked mac n cheese that my grandmother made and handed down to my mom. It was sliced about 3/8" thick and inserted into the mac and cheese every 3 inches or so in a 9 X 14 baking pan, then baked low and slow for quite a while. Pretty darn good to my youthful tastebuds. Haven't had it in years (don't eat Spam anymore due to a nitrite sensitivity), but I'd bet it still tastes pretty good.

[OpusX]

OMG!!!:w00t:

I didn't know they made SPAM with bacon.

That would make a great omelet.
I like the bacon Spam but the hickory smoked spam is even better, and tastes more of bacon IMHO.

[cricky101]

... spam mixed with shredded cheese spread on a half of bun. Then the bun (open face) would be put under the broiler. Now that was actually really good !!!! I don't make it often but maybe once a year, just to remember one dish my MIL use to make (also for my kids) when there was a lot of company over or she needed something quick and fast and easy to put on the table. (she didn't make it often either)

I remember my mom making that once in a while when I was a kid and haven't probably had one in 20 years. I might have to make a batch one of these days just for the sake of nostalgia.

[David in Boston]

I like the bacon Spam but the hickory smoked spam is even better, and tastes more of bacon IMHO.

Thanks.

Been to a few supermarkets and didn't see Spam with Bacon.

I'll keep an eye open for the Hickory Smoked Spam.

[gollum83]

I've never had it, but spam scares me. :scared:

[Spivey]

I've never had it, but spam scares me. :scared:

I didn't think that there was room for fear behind the Cheddar Curtain....:biggrin:

[Wendy]

I just tried for the first time about a month ago. WOW is it salty and horrible for you. I did not complain much though. :001_tongu

[FreezerBurns]

The Spam Loco Moco (best Spam application there is) :w00t:

Rice topped with fried Spam, topped with an egg or two, topped with brown gravy (side of macaroni salad optional).

[The Nid Hog]

The Spam Loco Moco (best Spam application there is) :w00t:

Rice topped with fried Spam, topped with an egg or two, topped with brown gravy (side of macaroni salad optional).

That sounds amazingly good. Loco Moco is a big treat at my house.

[Bobtrumpet]

Underwood Deviled Ham anyone?

There's a reason the devil is involved. :mad: Yecch!

Spam, however, is good stuff. I like it fried better than straight from the can.

[Bflobill 1125]

Fried Spam and eggs has always been a favorite for me.Its one of those things I never get tired of.