MRS. LAWYER'S SPAMISH RICE

Serves 4 to 6.

Cost per serving of five: $1.15.

• 1 c. brown or white rice, prepared according to directions

• 2 tbsp. oil

• 1 medium to large onion, chopped coarsely

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped coarsely

• 3 ribs of celery, chopped coarsely

• 1 (12-oz.) can Lite Spam, cut in about 1/2-in. dice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 (14.5-oz.) can tomatoes with green chiles

• Hot sauce or chili powder to taste, optional

Directions

While the rice is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and sauté until the onion becomes transparent, stirring occasionally .

Add the Spam and stir well, cooking for a further two or three minutes. Next add the tomatoes and rice to the onion-Spam mixture and combine well, adding any salt and pepper, until all ingredients are well heated. Add hot sauce or chili powder as desired and serve.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories300Fat13 gSodium1,090 mg

Carbohydrates33 gSaturated fat3 gCalcium65 mg

Protein12 gCholesterol43 mgDietary fiber5 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 2 bread/starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 11/2 fat.

CHEESE COUNTRY SPAM PUFF

Serves 8 (or six very hungry folks).

Cost per serving for eight: 72 cents. Adapted from the Spam.com website.

• 6 slices firm white bread, torn into small pieces

• 11/4 c. milk

• 3 eggs

• 1 tbsp. spicy mustard

• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp. paprika

• 1 (12-oz.) can Spam, cubed

• 1 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

• 1/2 c. chopped onion

• 1/4 c. shredded Monterey jack cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine bread, milk, eggs, mustard, garlic powder and paprika in a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed or pour into a blender and process until mixture is smooth. If using a blender, pour back into a bowl.

Add the Spam cubes, Cheddar and the onion and mix well. Pour into a greased baking pan of about 12 by 8 inches. Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes. Sprinkle with Monterey jack cheese on top and bake 5 minutes more, or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories316Fat22 gSodium845 mg

Carbohydrates14 gSaturated fat9 g Calcium190 mg

Protein15 gCholesterol130 mg Dietary fiber1 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 bread/starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 21/2 fat.