{Father’s Day Gift Idea} SPAM Starter Kit Review (& Giveaway Ends 6/29)

ABOUT:

Since 1937, SPAM has been helping cooks create versatile, high-quality and great-tasting meals.  SPAM has been a war hero, pop culture icon, and just part of American tradition.   So far over 7 billion cans of SPAM products have been sold and they continue to expand their collection and flavors.

MY THOUGHTS:

I always thought of SPAM as more of a joke than food staple.  I mean who eats ham from a can?  Well it has been around now for over 70 years and with over 7 billion cans sold, I think they are doing something right.  I did not know there were eight different varieties available, but there actually are a whole bunch, including:  SPAM Classic, SPAM Lite, SPAM Less Sodium, SPAM Oven Roasted Turkey, SPAM Hickory Smoked, SPAM with Bacon, SPAM with Cheese and SPAM Hot & Spicy.

Now I admit I am a very picky eater and not very adventurous.  My husband on the other hand will eat anything and everything.  Since I was scared of the SPAM (I know how can I be scared of canned meat) my husband willingly tried the SPAM diced up with some eggs and said it tasted good.  It gave the eggs a salty flavor and was nice to have something mixed in with them.  It looked like normal ham once he cubed it, but it does have a flaky texture when you eat it, yes I tried it.  I was not a big fan, but then again I don’t like eggs and it probably would have tasted better mixed with the eggs.  I think it is awesome though to have around for those times when you don’t know what to cook or just want something different!  Overall, I have not become a SPAM lover, but my husband on the other hand is fine with eating it.  I do think it is an American tradition to try it at least once in your life!

Other than eating it alone or mixed with eggs, I was clueless as to how else you would cook it.  Well in order to show off some great recipes, SPAM has created a Recipe Exchange so creative cooks can share their SPAM creations, try and rate recipes from others and learn how adding SPAM products to recipes can jazz up mealtimes!  My husband is excited about trying out the SPAM Thai-Style Fried Rice that we found on the website.   There is even a three-part “meal makeover” series that encourages people to re-imaging recipes made from three kitchen staples:  eggs, bread and pasta.

Now through June 30^th, those submitting original recipes will receive a free gift from the SPAM® shop while supplies last AND if their recipe is among the three highest rated they will win a year’s supply of SPAM^® products!

Other than showcasing SPAM products and checking out recipes, you can also join the SPAM Fan Club, play games, and read fun trivia facts!

COUPON: Check out the SPAM website for a coupon for $.35 off any (1) 12 oz. can of SPAM Classic (or other variety)

GIVEAWAY: (1) winner will receive a SPAM Starter Kit – containing product and a variety of SPAM kitchen tools (valued at $35)

WIN IT: Check out the SPAM recipes and comment on one you’d like to try!

Extra Entries (Only valid after you answer Main Entry above and Please leave a comment for each):
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#GIVEAWAY:  Win a SPAM Starter Kit – Yes ham in a can! @mamasmoney (Ends 6/29) http://bit.ly/9Nkbws
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~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends June 29, 2010. Thanks everyone and good luck!  Also, if you just put a generic comment like “I want to Win” then I will have to disqualify you.  This contest is only open to US residents.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: I participated 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.