DIY ESSENTIALS: SPAM, SPAM, SPAM

DIY Essentials: Spam, Spam, Spam image

Provided by Andy Anderson ! @ThePretentiousChef

Categories Pork

Number Of Ingredients 12

PLAN/PURCHASE
2 1/2 pound(s) pork shoulder, freshly ground, if possible
1/2 pound(s) ham, i used hickory smoked flavor
2 teaspoon(s) tender quick
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) sugar, granulated variety
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) potato starch
2 teaspoon(s) salt, kosher variety, fine grind
1/2 cup(s) filtered water, ice cold
PREP/PREPARE
cayenne pepper, for a bit of heat
ground cumin, for depth
nutritional yeast, for yumminess

Steps:

PREP/PREPARE
The meat ratio in this recipe is 5/1... 5-parts pork 1-part ham
The type of ham you use will influence the overall taste of the final product. I choose hickory smoked over things like honey-cured, because I felt that gave the recipe a good depth of flavor and complimented the pork shoulder.
You can use potato starch (my choice), or you could use corn starch, or arrowroot powder.
Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
Place a rack in the bottom position and preheat the oven to 250f (120c).
Cut the pork and ham into cubes.
Grind using a medium plate.
Chef's Note: If you do not have a meat grinder, you can have your butcher do it for you. Or, you can purchase it pre-ground. In my opinion, freshly ground is the best way to go.
Mix the remaining ingredients into the cold water.
Add to the meat and mix with your hands. It should resemble a thick paste. YUMMY!!!
Add to a bread pan loaf, tightly cover with foil, and place into the preheated oven for 2.5 - 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 155f (68c).
Chef's Tip: To make it easy to remove the Spam loaf from the pan, I line it with some parchment paper.
Remove from the oven, place a foil-wrapped brick on top, and place into the fridge overnight.
PLATE/PRESENT
Remove from fridge and use like "normal" Spam. Enjoy.
Keep the faith, and keep cooking.