SPAM, Glorious SPAM

The Hormel Company and Monty Python have a long history together. On December 15, 1970, the popular TV show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” ended with a famous skit. A couple enters a restaurant and tries to order a meal. To their frustration, however, every item on the menu contains SPAM, i.e. “spam, egg, sausage, and spam” and “spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, baked beans, spam, spam, and spam.” (There’s a historical connection here. It seems that many British people had become tired of SPAM during World War II, as it was one of the few meat products available then—which is probably why the Python crew picked on it!). Although the skit lasts only two minutes, the word SPAM is mentioned at least 94 times. Throughout the skit, a chorus of Vikings sings a song about “lovely SPAM, wonderful SPAM.” And they sing so loudly that they finally drown out the customers trying to order their meals. If you don’t believe me, check out the lyrics and hear them sung at http://www.mailmsg.com/SPAM_python.htm. Now, in case you didn’t realize it, this is the connection to the type of e-mail known as spam: Drowning out other people’s messages with a flood of your own messages.

You might wonder what the Hormel Food Corporation thinks about all this. Do they mind that the word "spam" – something people hate to get in their e-mail – is the same as the name of their still famous canned meat? Do they get upset? Or do they like the publicity?

If you visit the Hormel website http://www.spam.com, you’ll find that the company has lots to say about SPAM and “spam.” They are adamant about people using SPAM (all caps) to refer to their canned meat products, to distinguish it from “spam” e-mail. You’ll also read “Use of the term spam was adopted as a result of the Monty Python skit in which a group of Vikings sang a chorus of “spam, spam, spam…” in an increasing crescendo, drowning out other conversation. Logically, the analogy applied because UCE (unsolicited commercial e-mail) was drowning out normal discourse on the Internet.

It hasn’t passed Hormel by that the Monty Python sketch actually gave its product an iconic status, and so in a reasonable tongue-in-cheek manner they went on to say: “We do not object to use of this slang to describe UCE, although we do object to the use of our product image in association with that term.”

But it doesn’t end there. Hormel has once again joined Monty Python to push its product. In honor of MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, Hormel foods introduced a limited edition flavor, SPAM golden honey grail, in a “SPAMALOT collector’s edition” can. The can features SPAMALOT graphics and characters from the show and instructions in “SPAMALOT-ese” on how to “cooketh” SPAM.

“SPAM products have been spoofed by the Monty Python comedy team for decades,” said Nick Meyer, senior product manager of Hormel Foods. “The brand is beloved by so many, so we are pleased to offer this special collector’s edition can and SPAM golden honey grail to consumers.”

“SPAM is the holy grail of canned meats,” said Eric Idle, co-author of the musical. “We’re thrilled to dine on SPAM golden honey grail at the round table of SPAMALOT.”

That’s your first (and obvious) SPAM/SPAMALOT connection. Here’s another: At parties both before and after performances of SPAMALOT the “in” treat has been SPAM cupcakes. Yep, you heard me: SPAM cupcakes. These are not your bakery’s style of cupcakes; oh, no—these are more of a heavy hors d’oeuvre, guaranteed to stick to your ribs (and other locations). I’m providing the recipe, just so you can try them!

Ingredients:

For cupcakes:

• 2 SPAM Classic (12 oz.) cans
• 2 eggs slightly beaten
• 2/3 cup quick cooking oatmeal
• ¾ cup milk

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 cups prepared instant mashed potatoes
• Snipped fresh chives for garnish
  

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.For cupcakes, in large bowl, grate SPAM. Add eggs, oatmeal and milk; mix well. Lightly spray a regular size muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Fill each muffin tin two-thirds full with SPAM mixture. Using the back of a spoon, lightly press mixture into tins. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar and water. Lightly spoon glaze mixture over SPAM mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until mixture is set. Meanwhile, prepare 4 cups of instant mashed potatoes. Remove cupcakes from oven. Place oven rack 2-3 inches from heat source and heat broiler. Top each cupcake with potatoes. Return muffin tin to oven. Broil 2-3 minutes or until potatoes are lightly browned. Garnish with fresh chives and serve. Tip: For best results, let cupcakes stand 5 minutes before removing from pan.

But wait, we’re not through yet! I have dessert for us, but at least this is a fun, recognizable treat! Ben and Jerry’s, the Vermont-based ice cream company has recently released a Monty Python-themed ice cream.

The company started selling the officially licensed confection, called Vermonty Python, this past winter. The ice cream is only available in the traditional pint-sized containers, and may be found in your local grocery stores. The packaging features suitably Pythonesque images and a HolyGrail/SPAMALOT theme (including the Python Grail) and the following text:

And now for something completely euphoric. We interrupt ourselves with much hooting through tin horns to bring you this brilliant new ice cream made from dried shrubbery and old cereal packets. Don’t be daft – we’re just having you on a bit, all right? This is a ripping good flavor, really, so buy it quickly now and run away, silly person, or we shall taunt you a second time!

The flavor is coffee liqueur ice cream with a chocolate cookie crumb swirl and fudge cows. Think tiramisu with chocolate treats.

So there you have it: The SPAM/SPAMALOT/Monty Python food connection. I’m sure there’s more, but I’ve had enough, thank you.