English: Two small cans of Spam. One is closed and the other open and sliced. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Spam was introduced in 1937 and was called the "Miracle Meat". Sales skyrocketed during World War ll. Spam was great for the military, as it required no refrigeration and wasn't rationed as beef was. It soon became a staple in American meals and Spam recipes became very creative. It is manufactured in Austin, Minnesota by the Hormel Company. More Spam is consumed per person in Hawaii than in any other state in the United States. Almost seven million cans of Spam are eaten every year in Hawaii.
Here are a couple recipes to try:


Spam Vegetable Casserole


2 (10-3/4 ounce cans) Cream of Mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Cheez Wiz
1 (16 ounce package) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 (12 ounce can) Spam, cubed
1-1/4 cups uncooked instant rice
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (2.8 ounce can) French-fried onions
2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl, combine soup, milk and Cheez Wiz. In large bowl, combine vegetables, Spam, rice, cheddar cheese and onions; stir in soup mixture. Pour into a 13-inch x 9-inch x 2-inch baking dish. Combine crackers and melted butter or margarine; sprinkle over casserole. Bake 50-55 minutes or until hot.

Creamy Spam & Broccoli Casserole

Nonstick cooking spray
1 (7ounce package) elbow macaroni
2 cups frozen cut broccoli, thawed and drained
1 (12 ounce can) Spam, cubed
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
2 teaspoons margarine, melted

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. In prepared casserole, combine macaroni, broccoli, Spam and bell pepper. In small saucepan, stir together milk, cornstarch and pepper until cornstarch is dissolved. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir sauce into Spam mixture. Combine bread crumbs and margarine; sprinkle on to of casserole. Bake 40 minutes or until heated through. Serves 8.