There is Still Time to Sign Up for the Great American SPAM Championship at the San Diego County Fair!

Create your most spectacular SPAM® sandwich, from a simple grilled cheese to a sensational masterpiece, and you could end up a winner in this year’s Great American SPAM® Championship. The annual recipe competition will be hosted at the San Diego County Fair this Saturday, June 8 at 1 p.m. in the Home & Hobby Building.

Entrants compete for prizes (up to $150 for first place), blue ribbons and a shot at the coveted grand prize, a trip to the SPAM JAM® Waikiki Festival. Two categories welcome both adults and youth. Prizes go to the top three recipes in both categories. Focus on taste, creativity and presentation, and use 10 ingredients or less. Any size, shape or style of SPAM® sandwich is welcome.

One National Grand SPAM™ Champion in the adult category wins an all-expense paid trip for two to the 2014 SPAM JAM® Waikiki Festival (accommodations at the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort Hotel) valued at $3,000. In addition, one National SPAM™ Kid Chef of the Year wins a $2,000 cash prize. All first-place winning recipes advance to national judging (conducted by Hormel Foods Test Kitchens after the 2013 fair season ends).

Entries are judged at the fairgrounds. For contest details and complete entry guidelines, contact the San Diego County Fair entry office at 858-792-4207 or visit the contest section of www.sdfair.com.

Try this delicious SPAM® Monte Cristo Sandwich as a tasty start-up.

SPAM® Monte Cristo Sandwich
1 (12-ounce) can SPAM® Classic
6 slices Muenster cheese, cut in half
12 slices bread (white or wheat)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter

Cut SPAM® Classic into 12 slices and cook until golden brown. Layer cheese and SPAM® Classic on 6 slices of bread; cover with remaining slices of bread. In bowl, mix eggs and milk; quickly dip both sides of sandwiches into egg mixture. On griddle or skillet, sauté sandwiches in butter over medium heat until cheese is melted and both sides are browned.