SO… You think Publix’s Holiday ‘Christmas in July’ Sub is the be-all and end-all? SPAM aficionados insist that they have something light years ahead of THAT… And I have to admit I’m a Big SPAM fan, too…
The kind of Light Caraway Rye Bread you want for a proper SPAM-A-Rama Sammy!
It happens every time I try to present some vested group’s fave dish. Another steps up and insists their’s is ‘Oh-so-much BETTER!’ So it has been with Publix’s ‘Christmas In July’ Turkey Bacon and Cranberry Relish sub.
A league of their own?
Just to qualify… SPAM possesses an unequaled fan base that exists world-wide, and is perhaps the most product-dedicated group there is. When they speak, a food critic listens. Therefor, when local brand-defenders spoke up within my hearing after yesterday’s Publix post…
Similar but different
Yes, there are some curious similarities between Publix’s Holiday Turkey Sub and the SPAM-A-Rama Sammy.
But each has outstanding qualities that set it apart from the other – and all other similar bites out there…
Let’s start by…
‘Deconstructing’ the SPAM Special…
The bread is crucial…
It’s based on classic Swedish, German or Danish ‘sweet’ Caraway Light Rye bread, which I have always prized for it’s ability to pair marvelously with almost any deli meat – solo or combo.
The crust is always delicately crispy – you won’t cut our gums on it – and the crumb is dense, but soft with a unique flavour that complements anything cured or smoked…
Special Sauce…
I have my own signature sauce for specific use with SPAM or sweet-cured ham… Which I mix up as needed. Start with Mayo, add a dab of Dijon Mustard to taste, plus a few drops of Pickle Juice – Sweet (from a jar of Bread and Butter Pickles) if you have it…
Slather onto the inside surface of the bottom bread slice.
‘Start stacking…
Begin with a couple of slices of plain Gruyère cheese (not smoked). Stack with a couple of thin slices of Regular (not flavoured) SPAM. We want that classic Hammy-SPAMmy flavour to come through… Let the SPAM slices overlap each other. But also let corners of them hang over the edges of the bread. (The Rye bread is always oval, and SPAM is always rectangular…)
Top that with thin shreds of Romaine Lettuce.
Add thin slices – 3 or 4 count of 1/8 in. / 2-3 mm (max) thickness is good; let ’em overlap generously – of fresh, ripe-through Beefsteak or ‘slicing’ tomato.
My take
I’ve had this SPAM Special, so can speak from direct experience… Yes, it’s pretty good! In ways only a SPAM sandwich on specially curated bread with ‘special sauce’ can be.
On balance, I think this one has charms the Publix Holiday Special can’t match. Most outstandingly, the Sauce, which is the main vector on which you can customize this emerging classic. But it’s also elegantly simple, well-balanced and transparent, in a way only a dish featuring a few carefully selec-ted, well-matched ingredients can be.
SO… Except maybe in Holiday season, when there’s excess home-roasted Turkey to use up, the SPAM-A-Rama Will be my first choice every time!
~ Maggie J.