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Friday, November 18, 2011

Vegan Ham Salad (Deviled Ham) Pawpaw Hank's Recipe

      

       First order of business, what is ham salad exactly? (Some people call this Deviled Ham, just not me.)  Well you should know that it is most definitely NOT a salad and not even made out of ham traditionally.  My grandfather owned a grocery store for many years and used to make this delicious mash up for his adoring customers out of all the ends of the bologna that he couldn’t sell.  His customers, friends, and family came to know it has Hank’s Ham Salad.  My Granddad could sell ice to eskimos, but this was a legit, great, and delicious business move. 
      Growing up I spent a lot of time at my Grandparent’s house and Papaw Hank’s Ham salad was one of my most favorite after school snacks.  I mean if you loved bologna sandwiches as a child this is that sandwich taken up about 2349283042 notches.  It is so good and still one of my favorite snacks.  As my grandfather got older and lost some of his memory this is one recipe that I had him write down so that I could always imitate.  A few years ago before he died, I had him try the vegan version and he said with a smile, “Where did this recipe come from?  It is pretty good.”  At this point he had lost of lot his capacities but he still liked good food and my vegan version passed the ultimate Sullivan’s IGA taste test!
      This recipe does require a food processor so if you don’t have one borrow it from a friend.  Although it is an item you will use a ton so for 15 or 20 bucks you can buy your own. :-)
Ingredients:
Vegan Bologna (2 packages)
 

 Vegenaise (1/2) cup
Sweet Pickle Relish (3 tablespoons)
Pimentos  (2 tablespoons)
Pinapple Juice ¼ cup max
Salt and Pepper to taste








    That is all you need.  Start by adding your vegan bologna into the bottom of the food processor; just cut it up into chucks no need for it to be precise.  Then add in your vegenaise, pickle relish, and pimentos.  Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, then pulse on low about 10 times.  After it is starting to break down add in your pineapple juice, it is just a splash to add to the sweetness, so you don’t have to use the entire ¼ cup.  Then pulse about 15 more times and enjoy!
    This can be served on a nice crusty roll which is my favorite, but Hank would have eaten it on plain white bread.  It is also great on crackers or melba toast.  No matter how you eat it, it is wonderful and will take you back, to the good ol’ days.  Whatever that means to you!