Spam, that fabulous find of the '30s and '40s, is enjoying renewed popularity because of tough economic times.

This touted "Miracle Meat of a Million Uses" can be used in sandwiches, salads, mac and cheese; with eggs; skewered with pineapple chunks or vegetables and grilled; in casseroles; sliced, diced, baked or fried; and in soups and stir-fries.

There's classic Spam in a can. Other varieties of Spam include oven-roasted turkey, with cheese, with bacon, hickory smoke flavored, hot and spicy, "lite," low-sodium … the list goes on.

Memories of Spam take many people back to their childhoods.

Some get nostalgic for the sweet-and-salty taste of Spam and peaches cooked over an open fire after a hard day of hiking as part of a Boy Scout troop, while others remember the taste of their mom's Spam loaf glazed with brown sugar and stuffed with half rings of pineapple.

For others still, Spam brings back memories of wartime hardships.

Spam gained popularity from its role during World War II, when Hormel provided 15 million cans of luncheon meat to troops every week.

These days, more than 122 million cans of Spam are sold worldwide each year, according to Hormel. "That's three cans every second," the company reports on its Web site.

The luncheon meat is distributed in 41 countries, including Denmark, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea. In Asia, Spam is the darling at mealtime.

But nowhere is Spam more loved than in Hawaii, where it could be declared the state dish, according to Hormel. "Hawaii has the highest consumption per capita for Spam, where it is available in restaurants, convenience stores and as a staple in nearly every kitchen pantry."

SPAM STATS

A lot of people eat Spam. In fact, Hormel Foods, the company that makes Spam, figures that Americans eat 90 million cans of Spam a year.

A 12-ounce can of classic Spam contains six 2-ounce servings.

Calories: 180

Fat calories: 140

Sodium: 790 milligrams

Cholesterol: 40 milligrams

Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Protein: 7 grams

Ingredients: Pork with ham, salt, water, modified potato starch, sugar, sodium nitrate

Cooking instructions: Fully cooked and ready to eat hot or cold. Fry, bake, microwave, grill or broil.

Spam is available in single-serving packets so you can enjoy a serving anytime, anywhere. The singles sell for about $1.10 each.

If you are watching your Spam intake, a single serving of Spam Lite is 160 calories, and just 100 of those calories are from fat.

Spam with Pork 'n' Beans

2 cans pork and beans

1 medium onion, diced

1/3 bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 can Spam

Pour the two cans of pork and beans into a 9-by-12-inch glass baking dish

Sautee the onion and bell pepper in oiled frying pan, then add to beans. Add brown sugar. Slice the Spam into 12 long pieces (very thin). Brown in the frying pan, then lay in two rows on top of the beans.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

Spam Loaf Hawaiian

2 cans Spam

1 can pineapple rings

Mustard, to taste

Brown sugar, to taste

Cut four slits in each loaf of Spam, but not all the way through. Spread a little mustard inside the slits, then put a half ring of pineapple in each slit. Sprinkle brown sugar on top and bake in a 350-degree oven until it is hot and the sugar gets glazed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Slice it so each serving has a slice of the pineapple.

Spam Sandwich Spread

1 can Spam, chilled

½ cup Miracle Whip

1 small yellow or red onion, chopped

1 large tablespoon sweet relish

1 dab of mustard

1 small jar Dromedary sliced pimentos

Grate the chilled Spam. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spread on bread for a cold sandwich or add to a grilled cheese sandwich and enjoy hot. Top Ritz Crackers with it for an appetizer.

Hot Dog Surprise

Hot dog buns (don't substitute bread, it will not taste the same)

1 can Spam

1 cup cheddar cheese

1 large dill pickle

White or yellow onion (optional)

Mayonnaise, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grate first four ingredients into a large bowl. Stir in enough mayonnaise to coat ingredients well. Spoon into buns. Wrap each bun in aluminum foil. Put these inside a covered lid roasting pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Spam Casserole

4 cups wide noodles, cooked and strained

1½ cups cheddar cheese, cut up

1 can of Spam, chopped into ½-inch cubes

1 can mushroom soup

¼ to ½ cup of milk

1 green pepper (or celery), diced

¼ cup onion, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

½ teaspoon horseradish, optional

Mix all ingredients and place in 9-by-12-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.