The Original SPAM

[DNO]

Today's the 75th anniversary of that nugget from the Golden Age: SPAM. Originally marketed simply as Hormel Spiced Ham, it was renamed and re-released on July 5th, 1937.

So, in the words of an ad from the time: "What's the treat for dinner? SPAM!"

 

[Shangas]

Invented by a Frenchman. Somewhere along the way, French cuisine must've taken a real nosedive...

 

[DNO]

Invented by a Frenchman. Somewhere along the way, French cuisine must've taken a real nosedive...

And ended up in Austin, Minnesota: "Spamtown, U.S.A." Home, I believe, to the SPAM museum.

 

[LizzieMaine]

And there's still nothing better fried up with some eggs on a cold morning.

 

[scotrace]

It's no longer cheap food.

 

[Heater]

And there's still nothing better fried up with some eggs on a cold morning.

I get hungry just thinking about it.

 

[pompier]

And there's still nothing better fried up with some eggs on a cold morning.

Yep, a favorite. Don't know how much I've fried up over the years.

 

[green papaya]

SPAM is a good substitute to use like bacon, fry it until it's well done and crispy and it's kind of like bacon

and keeps for a long time on the shelf, good to stock up for emergency rations

 

[Chasseur]

Invented by a Frenchman. Somewhere along the way, French cuisine must've taken a real nosedive...

SPAM is actually quite close to some forms of cheap pate, in particular France's cousin to SPAM, Pate Henaff!

 

[Espee]

You think SPAM gets no respect... what about Armour TREET?

 

[LizzieMaine]

Nothing beats "Not To Be Sold" USDA Surplus Luncheon Meat. It came in a round can, so when I took it to school for lunch I'd trim the round edges into a Spam-like rectangle shape so people wouldn't know we were on relief. And then I'd eat the trimmings as a snack while walking to school.

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Spam is very popular in Asia, particularly Korea. And from the Land of the Morning Calm comes this recipe for Spam stew. :hungry:
http://linglieats.com/2010/03/korean-stew-budae-jjigae/

One of the places where I shop is called Grocery Outlet and occasionally the Korean-labelled Spam turns up there as well as at the numerous Asian markets.

 

[lolly_loisides]

^^^^^
I imagine Spam & Kimchi would work really well together. YUM!

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Adapting the recipe to my own tastes I would substitute spaghetti or angel hair pasta for the ramen and Louisiana hot links for Vienna sausage/franks (I can't stand the latter). The beauty is that you can put all kinds of stuff in it to suit your taste.

 

[Dixie_Amazon]

There is Spam Musubi in Hawaii.
[video=youtube_share;oNL5YTsEJno]http://youtu.be/oNL5YTsEJno[/video]

 

[1961MJS]

You think SPAM gets no respect... what about Armour TREET?

"Treet, it wishes it was SPAM." GAWD that's just wrong. Never had Treet, but I eat Spam occasionally. Same as fried baloney.

Later

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

[video=youtube;ypCE2CJ6-Qw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypCE2CJ6-Qw[/video]

 

[Talbot]

I remember eating it often as a child. The stuff my folks got was called 'Camp Pie'. Same size can - probably cheaper. I won't call it a SPAM substitute as you could probably get SPAM too. Us kids got it as fried slices, or crumbed and fried slices.

I tried some recently in a fit of nostaligia. Its surprising how much your taste buds can change....

 

[Undertow]

It's no longer cheap food.

Too big for their britches, in my opinion. It's like spending $9 on hot dogs (this, I've seen).

I love Spam, but when compressed pork bits in a can cost more than just buying a pack of deli ham, I stick to peanut butter.

(There are few things better than fried spam planks on toast with mayo...mmm...)

 

[TomS]

My grandfather, a WWII vet, wouldnt touch the stuff. Said it reminded him of the war.