Episode 12: Spam Upside Down Pie (1945)

~ eatatlus

In this episode, we explore the history of Spam while making Spam Upside Down Pie. This episode also takes a look into why it’s so popular in the Philippines, Hawaii, and Korea.

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The original recipe was published in Life Magazine during World War II.  The recipe is not only fun to make: it’s also easy to make!
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One layer of sliced Spam and one layer of biscuits.  Ultimately, I used three canisters of mini-biscuits for this recipe.
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Layer number two.  Small pieces of Spam are sprinkled between the layers of biscuit.
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A third layer of biscuits is added, and it goes into a 425 degree oven.
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A little bit over cooked.  The recipe calls for it to be baked 45-50 minutes.  This is about 35 minutes into baking.  I probably should have taken it out of the oven at 30 minutes.
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Served with beer cheese and garlicky peas.

References:

Ty Matejowsky.  SPAM and Fast-food “Glocalization” in the Philippines.  http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/155280107780154088

CBS News.  As Food Prices Soar, So Do Sales Of Spam.  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/as-food-prices-soar-so-do-sales-of-spam/

Erin DeJesus. A Brief History of Spam, an American Meat Icon http://www.eater.com/2014/7/9/6191681/a-brief-history-of-spam-an-american-meat-icon

Gothamist.  Spam is making a comeback at hip NYC restaurants.  http://gothamist.com/2014/04/01/spam_brooklyn_hipsters.php

Lucy Williamson.  Why is Spam a luxury food in South Korea? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-24140705

Rachel Laudan The Food of Paradise: Exploring Hawaii’s Culinary Heritage https://www.amazon.com/Food-Paradise-Exploring-Culinary-Heritage/dp/0824817788

Spam Website: http://www.spam.com/

The Hormel Website: http://www.hormelfoods.com/

The SPAM Man.  New Yorker Magazine: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1945/08/11/spam-man

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