I found the original recipe on face book, but it’s a new favorite of hubbies (despite the yellow color). Monkey Meat… it’s not what you think! I love how she begins this recipe, “Before you run away, let me clarify – no monkeys were harmed in making this Monkey Meat. There are also no bananas… let me explain…” I had no idea where the name REALLY came from, but I adored it so I read on. The mixture itself reminds me of the UNDERWOOD deviled ham from when I was a kid.
She said it was an old family recipe, a sandwich spread made by her grandma when she was trying to feed 4 hungry kids on a tight budget. She would grind up bologna with her homemade pickles to save a bit of money and stretch her food budget. Her grandfather, a quirky science teacher was the one that coined the name, Monkey Meat. And while an odd name, the recipe is so worth a try! Her recipe used only mayo, but hubby can’t eat bologna without mustard so I adapted it to suit him, though the color is a bit off putting 😀
MONKEY MEAT SANDWICH SPREAD adapted from I WASH YOU DRY
1 pound piece of bologna, cut into cubes
5 to 6 QUALITY baby dill pickles, drained
1/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup mustard
- In a food processor pulse the bologna several times until it becomes very finely chopped, place in a large bowl.
- Wipe out the food processor and add the dill pickles, pulse a few times until very finely chopped.
- Toss the dill pickles with the bologna.
- Stir in the may and mustard mixture.
- Keep chilled.
- Spread on crackers or your bread for a delicious sandwich!