As Memorial Day approaches, I am ever more conscious of the freedom we have in our great nation. I am aware that I can enjoy cooking and so many other things in life because of those who,throughout the generations, have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in military service to this nation. Our freedom is currently being protected by our men and women in uniform--many of whom are presently in harm's way. We in the United States of America have so much to be thankful for: God has blessed this nation so greatly!Did you know that SPAM® luncheon meat played a crucial role in the effort of the Allied forces to liberate Europe during World War II? Hormel Foods provided 15 million cans of SPAM® (invented in 1937 by Jay Hormel) to the troops each week, and SPAM® quickly became a regular part of their diet. Here is a SPAM® based stew that I developed from a recipe that was said to have been used in the galley of a U.S. Navy ship during WWII.
Griff's American Navy StewIngredients:
2 tbsp. butter
1 clove garlic
1 cup green bell pepper (with membrane & seeds removed), diced
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1 12 oz. can SPAM®, cubed
1 15.5 oz. can Trappy’s® navy beans flavored with slab bacon (or great northern beans)
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 tsp. Lawry’s® seasoned pepper (or black pepper)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1/2 cup water
Instructions:
In a large pan or pot, melt butter over low heat. Add the cubed SPAM® and heat at low temperature for a few minutes, stirring frequently. Then add the garlic, bell peeper, onion, and celery and sauté until tender, but do not brown. Then add all other ingredients. Slowly bring to boil, cover and turn down heat and simmer for an hour or until potatoes are tender. Tastes great with fresh rolls and butter!
