Nobody knows how SPAM is made, but I think we can figure it out.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3lbs (1360g) Pork Boston Butt, boneless

• 1lb (454g) pork fatback

• 1.5 lb (680g) smoked ham

• 1/3lb (150g) prosciutto di Parma

• 4 tbsp (40g) kosher salt

• 4 tsp (23g) granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons (12g) nutritional yeast, ground fine

• 2.5 tablespoons (28g) potato starch

• 1.5 tablespoon (13g) corn starch

• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) bay leaf powder

• 1 teaspoon (4g) Prague Powder #1

• 1/2 cup (118ml) ice water

• 5 cloves garlic Yaki Udon Stir Fry:

• 1/2 lb(226g) ground pork

• 1 cup(86g) sliced baby trumpet mushrooms

• 1/2 sweet onion, sliced into 3” pieces

• 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch segments

• 1 cup (89g) roughly chopped napa cabbage

• 1 lb(454g) udon noodles

• White pepper to taste

• Bonito flakes for topping

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced for garnish

• Salt to taste

SPAMLT:

• 1/2 (110g) cup mayo

• 3 cloves garlic, grated

• 1.5 teaspoon (2.5g) allepo pepper

• salt and pepper to taste

• 8-12 slices of homemade spam

• heirloom tomato, sliced & seasoned with salt to taste

• butter lettuce

• butter for toasting

• 8 slices of bread, toasted with butter on both sides

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut your pork but, ham, and pork fat into long strips that can fit in the grinder. Grind all your proteins twice through a meat grinder and place them in a bowl. Knead your meat until tacky and emulsified, about 1 minute.

2. In a medium bowl, add salt, sugar, nutritional yeast, potato starch, corn starch, bay leaf powder, and Prague powder; whisk until combined. Then whisk in water, once homogenous, and add it you your meat. Knead until incorporated. Divide your meat into 2 loaf pans, about 80% full—Press meat to ensure no air pockets.

3. Sous Vide method.- Place your loaf pan in a sous vide bag and seal it with a vacuum sealer; make sure it is in complete contact with the meat. Repeat with the other pan.

4. Set large sous vide water bath to 175F and cook for 2 hours. Remove, place another equally sized bread pan on top and weigh down with something heavy. Place in the fridge to press and set.

5. Oven method.- Pre-heat the oven to 300F. In a large baking dish or a deep hotel pan, carefully pour enough boiling water to create a 1” hot bath. Place your loaf pan, cover with foil and bake for 45 - 60 minutes. Remove and press in the same way as the sous vide one.

6. Remove your meat from the pan, wiggling a spatula around the edge. Set a medium-size skillet over medium heat, and spray with oil; once hot and starting to smoke, add as many slices as you want, sear for 2 -3 minutes, flip and sear for another 1 - 2 minutes.

SPAMLT:

1. In a small bowl, add mayo, garlic, Aleppo pepper, salt, and pepper to taste; whisk until combined.

2. Spread mayo on two slices of bread, add your tomatoes, butter lettuce, and 2 - 3 slices of your seared homemade SPAM. Finally, top your sandwich with the other slice of bread and enjoy.