Spam. I know it makes some people squeamish, but Spam has a special place in my heart. It brings back fond memories of my childhood. My Mom used Spam as if it had a place of its own in the food group pyramid. My favorite was when she would cut half-inch slices of it and pan-fry it in a little oil. That over a bowl of steamed white rice was perfect. Forget the veggies. Just give me the meat and starch. It was my favorite meal of champions. It satiated my voracious appetite after an hour long karate lesson when I was between the ages of 5 and 14.

I didn’t understand Spam back then, and still don’t to this day. Actually, I don’t even want to know what it is. But I love this so-called mystery meat named Spam prepared in many different ways. Did you know there are flavored Spams aside from the OG (original gangsta) Spam? They have a Spam spread [I’m so excited to try this]; Spam Hot & Spicy; Spam with Cheese; Spam with Bacon; Spam Hickory Smoked; and Spam Oven Roasted Turkey. Fabulous, right?!

Well, on our most recent trip to Hawaii, we discovered Spam-flavored macadamia nuts! [I love that Hawaii loves their Spam. Did you know they one of the largest consumers of Spam in the nation?] We were shopping for gifts to bring back to the family, and stumbled across this magnificent product. I gawked it, admired it, took a picture of it, and even posted it on my Facebook. I made a huge spectacle but didn’t buy it in the end. I have absolutely NO idea why I didn’t just buy the darn thing. I left the store, got into the car, drove to the airport, and totally regretted not purchasing the product! I got back to the mainland and immediately started Google-ing for Spam Mac Nuts, found it at Hamakua Plantations, bookmarked it, and then never bought it. Maybe subconsciously I didn’t really want it?

Well, fast forward to several months later, and my coworker friend surprised me with a can of Spam Mac Nuts. Yes, it was meant to be 🙂 I tore that can open immediately and savored one of the mac nuts, and went to my happy place. My coworker friend who brought me the gift wasn’t too fond of them. But I wouldn’t imagine people who dislike Spam, like anything Spam-flavored.

These mac nuts are dusted with a savory, slightly salty, and smoky flavor. Surprisingly, the flavor is completely vegetarian-based, but still has the wonderful taste of Spam.

I heart Spam. Do you?