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Recently I received a phone call from a lady who asked if I had any recipes using the luncheon meat that comes in a rectangle-shaped little can. She couldn't remember the name of it and neither could I for a moment. It had to be Spam, which it was, or course. And so it's recipes using spam. However, not only is it a luncheon meat, the can is used when making a cookie called "Aunt Sally" cookies. I keep the empty can with my cookie cutter, so I'll have to look in my cookie file and see if I can find the recipe. I'm off the track a little here.. it's recipes using spam, not making cookies with the spam can!

I hope you can use one or more of these recipes, Carmen. Thanks for sharing!

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SPAM AND VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. pasteurized process cheese spread

1-16 oz. pkg. mixed frozen veggie thawed

1-12 oz. can spam luncheon meat, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1-1/4 c. uncooked instant rice

1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

1-2.8 oz. can French-fried onion rings

2 c. crushed butter crackers

1/3 c. butter or margarine, melted

In a medium bowl, combine first three ingredients; set aside. In a large bowl, combine next 5 ingredients; stir in soup mixture. Pour into a 9x13-inch baking pan. Combine crackers and butter; sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until bubbly.

Makes 8 servings.

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SPAM FETTUCINI

PRIMAVERA

1 T. butter

2 T. flour

1-1/2 c. skim or 1% milk

1/2 c. sodium-free chicken broth (using sodium-free chicken bouillon granules)

1-1/2 t. dried basil leaves

12 oz. fettucini pasta

1-12 oz. Can Spam Lite, cut into julienne strips

1-16 oz. pkg. frozen broccoli, carrot and cauliflower combination, cooked and drained

2/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour. Cook and stir 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk, chicken broth and basil. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened; keep warm. In a large saucepan, cook fettuccine according to package directions; drain and return to saucepan.* Stir in Spam, veggies and sauce. Cook and stir over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

* I like pasta cooked a little longer than directions say. Check specified time to see if it's done to your liking.

Makes 6-8 servings.

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SPAM CORN CHOWDER

1 c. diced onion

1 T. butter or margarine

1-1/2 c. peeled, diced potatoes

1/2 c. diced green pepper*

2-17 oz. cans cream-style corn

2 c. milk

1-12 oz. can Spam, cut in 1/2-inch cubes

In a 3-qt. saucepan, saute onion in butter over medium heat 5-8 minutes or until golden. Add potatoes and green pepper. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Add corn and milk, bring to a boil stirring constantly. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in Spam. Simmer 2 minutes.

Makes 6-8 servings.

* If green pepper doesn't agree with you, use sweet red pepper.

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TFD: I've learned that one should keep his/her words soft and tender, because tomorrow he/she may have to eat them!

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