Fancy a Bite of Salami?

salamiOther than being Labor Day, did you know that Monday is Salami Day? (What food doesn’t have its own day?) Though salami is a preserved meat—like bacon, which is getting a really bad rap these days—which means it’s high in salt, fats and nitrates that can cause cancer, indulging for this one day won’t put you on your death bed.

Sure, you can just order your own “Hide the Salami” or other theme t-shirt, get a felt salami sandwich to play with or even make your own weird plush salami, but eating some salami would probably be the most enjoyable way to celebrate.

And if you like fake salami, you’re in luck—many varieties are fat-free, cholesterol-free, and full of soy protein. So if you’re going that route, you can probably indulge much more often if you like.

Here are some ideas to do just that on Salami Day:

Take some salami along while you travel. It will keep as you cross state lines, complain about in-laws, and enjoy the last bit of summer.

Make a delicious Sammie with this quick and easy recipe.

Send a salami and cheese basket to a friend as a gift—or just because you’re thinking about him or her.

Use it on a homemade pizza.

Try a salami omelet.

Give Rover his own salami dog toy—or a salami treat.

Substitute any recipes you typically use ham or bacon in with salami for the day.

Get fancy with a tomato-salami quiche.

Add some chopped salami to a salad for a bit of zest.

Add it to a rice dish or noodle dish for some protein.

Make some salami hors d'oeuvre. Try rolling cream cheese and chives up into salami, slicing them and sticking a toothpick in each bite, topping each with an olive. Or make a big cheese ball with chopped salami in it and serve it with crackers.

Eat it at a picnic. Pair it with your favorite wine and cheese for a romantic evening, or bring along some fun flavored crackers and hummus for an outing with the family.

Try making your own homemade salami.

Play one of these salami games, like salami sculpture, or knitting a cover for your salami. Or invite every guest to bring a wiener dog…

Do you have any unique ideas for celebrating—or simply eating—salami? Family recipes, traditional fare, whatever—be sure to share them below!