Somewhere along the line, someone decided that "spam" was synonymous with being a bad thing--after all, no one likes hundreds of junk messages clogging up her inbox.
Long before the word began being used to refer to unwanted email, it was the name of a packed pork product from Hormel. (Do you know the origin of the name? I didn't, but apparently, it's an abbreviated form of spiced ham!) Also predating the negative connotation was a skit by Monty Python that will make even the grumpiest grouch guffaw.
Another thing that ought to perk you up is the prospect of winning $1000. All you have to do is spice up one of your tried and true dishes with SPAM products. The theme varies, but right now it's PASTA. Upload your unique pasta and SPAM recipe to the Recipe Exchange and get your family and friends rate it. At the end of the challenge, the top 10 rated recipes will be judged by a panel of SPAM Team experts. One grand prize winner will be chosen to receive $1,000! Interested? Here are the official rules.
Come on, folks--give SPAM a chance! Monty Python did it, and so did I. Even though it's approximately 1000 degrees outside, this hot dish was tasty and satisfying.
Spiced Ham, Spiced Ham, Spiced Ham, Spiced Ham, Baked Beans, and Spiced Ham
can o' SPAM, diced
1 onion, diced
can o' baked beans
oil
Heat the oil in a medium pan over high heat. Add the diced SPAM and onions and fry until browned. Dump into a 2-quart casserole dish and add the beans. Stir to combine and bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Disclaimer: To participate in the SPAM: Dish This! program, I was provided with complimentary samples of SPAM product and merchandise, valued at approximately $35. Hormel Foods did not tell me what type of creations I should make nor did they require me to use any specific ingredients. My statements reflect my honest and truthful opinions and actual experience.
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73 comments:
I think the name doesn't do it much justice. When I was growing up, we had a very similar product called luncheon meat. My mum would slice it thinly, fry it up and serve it to us on buttered white bread, with a dollop of tomato sauce on top. Always made my day :)
Delicioso,mmmmmmm. que rico plato
I have a feeling spam would be much more appealing if it were called something else. Let's go with spiced ham from now on, k?
This looks really tasty! Is it time for me to try SPAM...perhaps!
I like Spam, but what a name! A nice comforting dish.
Cheers,
Rosa
I love anything with Spam!
Never tried Spam. Just the thought of it gives me the skeebs.
We live in the Spam capitol here in MN, in a few weeks we'll be eating Spam curds at the State Fair
I grew up on spam-mom used it on really busy days. I loved it then, but haven't had it for a few years. I tried it on my kids one time and they were not impressed! :)
It has taken me 24 years to be able to eat mushroom occasionally. Spam is such a leap, but you never know . . . someday I might brave the little can.
When we were kids my mom served us KAM and not SPAM on a hot summer day. What the difference is I don't know..it seems that a GOOGLE search is now necessary.
I haven't had spam in years and don't intend to change that now. I think it has something to do with the can. Obviously it has a big market they sell it at Costco.
Mimi
girl i love you but cannot eat spam.
I grew up eating Spam- it didn't have such a bad connotation at that time!
Love the title of this recipe! And, good luck. Hope you win!
Oh Gosh, My dad used to make spam sandwiches. I was always worried that if we went into bunker mode over the next civil war we would only have spam to eat. Dont think ill be cracking open a can of that anytime soon but love that you are tryin' it girl!
Interesting, I actually had no idea where the name Spam came from! I remember eating it as a kid and not having strong feelings on Spam one way or the other -- now I don't eat ham anymore though. Too bad, I would have definitely participated in the contest...sounds like fun!
My mother thought spam was one of the greatest inventions ever. i can't stomach it to this day. Sorry!
I'm a little uneasy about spam but I LOVE some baked beans, so I can see how this would work out for the best!
those beans look delicious! I have a serious weakness for <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2008/04/tutorial-how-to-make-hawaiian-spam-musubi-sushi.html>spam musubi</a> but one almost as bad as pork 'n beans...
oh you crack me up grace, I have had spam maybe twice...maybe I should give it a go again, good luck
sweetlife
Love the recipe! I am having a SPAM giveaway right now, LOL
Somehow when I read your post I heard John Lennon singing in my head ... "all I am saying is give spam a chance ... ." ;)
I've never even tried spam, so I guess you're right - it always has had a bad rap.
Spam is the perfect meal when you are fishing and need something to slice up on saltines or white bread. I had never thought of dressing it up, but that sounds like an excellent challenge.
Definitely will give the SPAM a chance if looks so good like yours!
Would you believe I have never tried spam before? Something about meat in a can. But I have to admit, your bean dish looks pretty darn good. Good luck in the challenge!
i know how some people cringe at SPAM, but i absolutely love it as a snack. i'd fry it crisp and sandwich it with tomatoes and bread! :D
In my hometown of Austin, they have 3 day festival devoted to SPAM. And my sister was obsessed with it growing up.
I adore anything Monty Python, and therefore, adore Spam. I even have a Spam cookbook.
I've never actually had spam but we did have a very similar product in ukraine that we ate a lot especially on the road, typically with rice or mashed potatoes. I always loved it!
I've tried many times to appreciate Spam, but I just can't. Your photo looks lovely, like a wonderful hunk of bacon, but I just can't love the Spam like so many people do. :(
Eww...I had to buy some for my mother-in-law last week. It is now sitting in the fridge all congealed and icky. I'm sure this is what separates me from a "true" Minnesotan...I prefer cheese curds to spam curds.
My husband practically grew up on spam - sometimes he asks me to fry some up for him for breakfast - he likes em really thin and with a sprinkling of guess what - sugar!
Ooh! Someone recently asked me what was a bit of an embarrassing food love and I should have said SPAM!
now I can't stop singing the MOnty Python song in my head....
I'm ruined for the day now!
I use to Love Spam, but I haven't had it in forever, now I've got to get some! It use to be expensive (for us anyway), and my mom hardly ever got it. She bought potted meat instead, gross.
Spam kept us happy after my family moved to Spain and we were waiting for our fridge. You name it and my mother whipped up Spam wonders. Haven't had it in YEARS.
I love it. Really. You make it look beautiful! :)
Blessings!
Amanda
I'm the newest follower of your great blog.
when we were kids we would eat "mortadella" snadwiches, which I really disliked. I guess spam is the same thing, maybe worse!
I love spam! so convenient and so yummy!
Tinned ham has really bad press, but spam fritters are one of those things that are so bad they are good!
I simply love Spam, I am thrilled with all of the new flavors we can get now. My favorite is the Bacon, slice it and layer into a baking dish then cover with a sauce of ketchup and brown sugar. Bake it until bubbly and gooey.
While I normally am against SPAM, I am all for Monty Python references.
My old roomie could down 2 grilled spam and cheese sandwiches on buttered and grilled kaiser rolls, mayo, lettuce, and tomato. Yum! And that was just a midnight snack!
I live by the late-Julia Child's philosophy: "Enjoy everything -- just in moderation.'' That includes Spam. ;)
Never had Spam before, would you believe? Although, I'm keen to go to the Annual Spam festival in Hawaii.
I have never had it but you sure do make it look really tasty!
Alright Grace...this is a tough one for me to comment on...I've never fancied the stuff (sorry).
I do see it in the stores often...so my tastebuds must be a little unpopular at the moment.
Good luck to everyone on the recipe contest ;o)
Ciao for now and have a great week.
Claudia
I didn't grow up with Spam either - pretty much my entire awareness of it in my youht stemmed from the fabulous Monty Python song! But we did have something called polony growing up - neon pink, spongy textured, probably mechanically recovered... and totalyl irresistable to be as a kid!
I hope you're having a magical Monday!
Haha love the connection to mail spam and the recipe title. You are hilarious, Grace :).
Now I wonder if there's anything wrong with SPAM. I seldom eat canned food but SPAM is one I would go for cos it's really delicious.
Wow, spam and baked beans...look so inviting...so yummie!
Growing up, my favorite sandwich was spam and peanut butter. Not sure if I'd like it now, but I know I'd like this dish!!
ça a l'air délicieux je te dis bravo
bonne journée
This pregnancy I have been craving Spam, which is so odd because I normally don't like it. I think it must be the saltiness. Adding it to baked beans just ups the comfort level. Thanks for contributing to my pregnancy cravings! My husband will loathe you. :)
When we were kids out mom would make spam with pinapple, baked beans, and mac n cheese. It's always been bizarre comfort food for my sister and I....although a bit top secret.
I'll be honest... I am not a huge fan of meat in a can. I will say however that your beans look terrific.
You know, I've never even tried spam to even say whether it is good or bad but your photo makes it all look appetizing.
Never been a spam fan, but glad some people like it:)
You go girl, you are working the spam thing like a champ. Perhaps we all need a change of heart. Maybe you will win $1000....I hope :) xo
In college, my roommate and I used to pilfer another roommates Spam even though we swore it had to be gross and we would never eat it. Well..wasn't gross at all and we were always hungry lol
I really haven't had it much since, but your baked bean preparation of it looks divine and is spurring me to go pick up a can today! You've turned Spam into comfort-gourmet deliciousnes!
Confession time...I love spam sliced thin, dry pan fried, and layered on Wonder bread. YUM! :)
~ingrid
spam is one food I never felt inclined to try; from what I have heard people have mixed feelings about it.
So bad, but oh so good!
I love that you blogged a spam dish! Brave! ;-)
I would eat your spam dish! It looks great!
if it's good enough for monty python I guess I could give it a try...It does look tasty:)
i can't remember the last time i had spam. hawaii...must have been hawaii. they love their spam!
I don't mind the occasional spam fritter... but these beans are just begging for an egg on top and some bread to mop up.
My Mother made the best spam. My future husband asked her for the recipe when he went off to college. Maybe I need to enter it in in contest. Thanks Grace.
I was once terrified of SPAM, until my husbands family got me to try these little appetizers they make called "spam things" (yeah I know, real appetizing name, huh?) but they are SO good! Everybody should def. give it a try!
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