Full disclosure: Columbus Foods provided free salami products for me and my support group to review and also for this giveaway. However, this is not a compensated post and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered and shared their favorite ways to eat salami! I’m happy to introduce so many of you to Columbus Salame. I used Jennette Fulda’s Pick a Giveaway Winner tool to select the following winners. (Winners will be contacted via email.) Congrats to all! Please stay tuned to more giveaways as I continue my gfe “spring cleaning.”
denise mallett ~ “As a child I was introduced to hard salami sitting on the back porch swing with cousins. My uncle had a full stick of hard salami, slicing pieces for us all to enjoy. I have eaten it this way since, for 52 years now. I purchase a good quality salami every two weeks, I eat it mostly by the slice, on gluten free pizza, with goat milk cheese or as salami sandwiches. My mouth was watering gazing at your wonderful picture of salami’s teasing my tastebuds.”
Janet Lewis ~ “I love salami with a cracker!”
Stacy (Paleo Parents) ~ “On the rare occasion my boys keep salami in the house long enough for me to eat it, I like to snack on it with an orange or clementine. The flavors work perfectly together!”
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When I posted my Brazilian Un-Cheese Rolls recipe, and shared a photo that showed how I’d made the rolls into little salami sandwiches, several readers commented on how appealing they were. Some even specifically commented on the salami. As Amber (The Tasty Alternative) said, “P.S. Don’t you just LOVE salami! Mmmmmmm!” Yes, I do, and those Brazilian Un-Cheese Rolls are a perfect way for anyone to enjoy salami. This is especially true for those who would normally pair salami with a good cheese, but who are eating dairy free now. Somehow that cheese is just not needed when the salami is tucked into the Brazilian Un-Cheese Roll! (Note that the photo does show cheese though; these were Mr. GFE’s lunch.)
In my book, there’s “really good” salami, “okay” salami, and “no thanks, I’ll pass” salami. Columbus Foods offers really good salami! Mr. GFE and I enjoyed it as an appetizer on crackers, in the aforementioned rolls, and even as pizza topping. With the help of my support group “sous chef,” I even served up some at our last support group meeting … just for small bites or pairing with some of our other food items that evening. Those tasty bites were very much enjoyed, even without much accessorizing!
Columbus Foods sent me one of their tasting kits, plus one more—a total of five products with their tasting guide that allow you to be a true salumiere. The latter is an education on both Columbus Foods and this delicious type of meat.
Some noteworthy tidbits that are shared in the tasting guide include:
~ “Salumi is the general Italian term for cured meats and it derives from the Italian word for salt, sale. It came into being as a necessity; it was a way of preserving meats to last longer for consumption. The most common examples of salumi are Prosciutto and Pancetta. Salame is a specific category of salumi that is dry-cured, fermented meat that’s encased in a natural or synthetic casing. Salame can be made from many different types of meat … all Columbus salame is made exclusively of pork.
~ “We at Columbus maintain the original Italian spelling—salame, to honor our founders’ heritage. In Italian, salame is singular, and salami is plural.”
~ “Columbus Foods has been making salame for over a century. We live and breathe salumi, so much so that we even wrote a book about it—Salumi.”
~ “High quality salame should have a rich red color, not washed out or pink, with good definition between the meat and fat. When there is little or no distinction between the two, it’s a sign of a lower quality salame. Authentic, gourmet salame should have a firm bite and should never taste fatty on the palate.”
~ “Salame should be served at room temperature.” (20 to 30 minutes out of the refrigerator.)
~ “Sliced salame is best when consumed within 7 – 10 days of opening.”
Columbus Foods material stated that “Like all Columbus salame and deli meats, these are gluten free and contain no MSG or trans fat.” When I inquired further about the gluten-free status of Columbus Foods’ salame, the representative stated, “All of our products are gluten free. We have no gluten within our plant; this includes the turkey broth in items like our turkey breast.”
photo courtesy of Columbus Foods
The five products that we enjoyed were:
~ Italian Dry salame: An Old World classic with a San Francisco twist
~ Pepper salame: Hand-rolled in freshly cracked peppercorns. (From the Columbus natural line)
~ Sopressata salame: Robust with sweet fennel, hot peppers, paprika and red wine
~ Chorizo salame: A one-of-a-kind mixture of paprika, fresh garlic, and spices
~ Classic Toscano salame: Columbus Foods’ leanest salame
Three gfe winners will get this same giveaway package, plus the very worthwhile tasting guide (with pairing suggestions, an area for tasting notes, etc.—makes for a great little party activity for two or more!). Each giveaway package is valued at about $40 (not including shipping and handling). This giveaway ends Thursday, March 29, at midnight. Important Note: Because this giveaway prize involves food that must remain cold during shipping, this giveaway is not open to international readers; I am sorry.
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment on your favorite way to eat salami. You can “like” Columbus Salame on Facebook for one additional entry. (There are great recipes and quotes shared on this page!)
And as the Columbus Foods rep always signs off … “Buon Appetito!”
Paula Decaria says
March 28, 2012 at 12:48 amI love Columbus Salame, and I like to eat it on top of crackers. 🙂
Paula Decaria says
March 28, 2012 at 12:48 amI like Columbus Salame on facebook.
Alisha says
March 28, 2012 at 6:50 amI love salami, especially eating it with crackers and pickles.
Kristin W. says
March 28, 2012 at 9:26 amI love chopped up on a salad with black olives, chickpeas, red onion and a homemade Apple Cider Vinegar salad dressing!
Alta says
March 28, 2012 at 9:28 amAnother great giveaway, Shirley! And while we don’t have it around often, we love good salami in our home. Columbus Salame sounds like a great company. I think I’ve seen some of their products at Cost Plus World Market. I’ll have to get some when I go next time!
Audrey J says
March 28, 2012 at 9:47 amIn the past it was in a sandwich of a nice French bread with a bit of mayo.
Now I love to smear some avocado on the salami and roll it to eat. I might even add a bit of onion.
Kathleen Conner says
March 28, 2012 at 10:21 amI love salami with slices of cheese on it, as a very filling appetizer. My second choice is in a sandwich with bread and mayo.
Kathleen Conner says
March 28, 2012 at 10:21 am“like” Columbus Salame on Facebook, and mentioned you! =)
Shari H says
March 28, 2012 at 11:18 amMy husband and I love to have a light dinner of salame, cheese, crackers and fresh veggies some evenings when neither of us feel like cooking.
Lani Blazer says
March 28, 2012 at 11:53 amI love Columbus dry Italian salami on sourdough bread with avocado.
MD says
March 28, 2012 at 11:59 ami just like to chomp a big bite out of it, no knives or bread necessary (a bit of hot mustard some days).
geroeg lewy says
March 28, 2012 at 12:02 pmyour salame or salami is the best all around.eat it with sour dough bread or crackers.and provalon cheese very aged.
Brent P says
March 28, 2012 at 12:18 pmI Love Columbus Salame the way it was served at our favorite restaraunt growing up on an Antipasto type plate. We do this occasionally for snacks or light dinner. Great for a summers eve.
Joe T says
March 28, 2012 at 12:59 pmLove Columbus Salame with cheese & crackers…
Concetta says
March 28, 2012 at 1:09 pmI love salame just by itself! I also like it with french bread and a good cheese. Or on pizza.
Can you tell I’m Italian and I love any kind of salami? 😀
Dave Irwin says
March 28, 2012 at 1:12 pmI love all Columbus products. One of my favorite snacks is a slice of cacciatore on a piece of crust from fresh italian bread, with a dab of gorgonzola dolce. Yum!!!
Caroline Bull says
March 28, 2012 at 1:23 pmThis days I enjoy it plain, or maybe with a little good-quality cheddar cheese. When I still ate gluten, though, I loved it with bagels and cream cheese.
David Loeffler says
March 28, 2012 at 1:41 pmMy favorite salami meal is with sourdough bread and dry jack cheese.
Heather says
March 28, 2012 at 1:46 pmI love salame with a multi grain cracker and brie cheese!
Valerie B. says
March 28, 2012 at 1:55 pmWe are HUGE Columbus Salami fans and go through three packages a week in our house. My husband likes it on g/f bread and I dearly love it in a salad!
Kathleen says
March 28, 2012 at 2:24 pmSalami, cheese and apple slices – yum!
Brandae says
March 28, 2012 at 2:26 pmI’ve never had this brand nor have I eaten salami in a long time. If I won, I’d just savor it plain. 🙂
Susan Ruffalo says
March 28, 2012 at 2:38 pmI’m Italian so therefore I LOOOVEEEEE Salami anyway I can get it- plain with some sharp cheese is best!! I don’t buy it too often, but the love is always there!! 🙂
Oh- and I get your updates via email!!
Jean Moulton says
March 28, 2012 at 2:41 pmThe best way to eat Salame….thin sliced….cold beer..and friends!
Denise Fedor says
March 28, 2012 at 3:21 pmYears ago I loved Salami with fresh Wonder bread w/butter (crust cut off and squished till the butter came out). Now it is Salami love by itself or w/rice crackers and cheese! Thanks for the chance to win. Dee
Ray says
March 28, 2012 at 3:27 pmI like salami just thin sliced with a bit of cheese on a cracker! 🙂
Ray says
March 28, 2012 at 3:27 pmLike them on Facebook – thanks for the great giveaway!
Renee says
March 28, 2012 at 3:28 pmI like to top my pizza with it to make it meaty with protein!
Renee says
March 28, 2012 at 3:29 pmFan on Facebook too.
denise mallett says
March 28, 2012 at 3:37 pmAs a child I was introduced to hard salami sitting on the back porch swing with cousins. My uncle had a full stick of hard salami, slicing pieces for us all to enjoy. I have eaten it this way since, for 52 years now. I purchase a good quality salami every two weeks, I eat it mostly by the slice, on gluten free pizza, with goat milk cheese or as salami sandwiches. My mouth was watering gazing at your wonderful picture of salami’s teasing my tastebuds.
denise mallett says
March 28, 2012 at 3:38 pmI liked Columbus Salame on facebook.
kim L says
March 28, 2012 at 4:06 pmFavorite way to eat salami is on GF crackers…nothing to interfere with the taste!
kim L says
March 28, 2012 at 4:06 pmI liked Columbus Salame on facebook
Georgina says
March 28, 2012 at 4:24 pmI like it chopped in my salad for an Italian Chopped twist!
Georgina says
March 28, 2012 at 4:25 pmLiked them on facebook – thanks!
Judy Pack says
March 28, 2012 at 4:28 pmsalami and swiss on a sourdough roll with mustard and mayo
or
Roll up salami with philly cream cheese and peppercini.
alena m says
March 28, 2012 at 4:40 pmI like salami with pickles or olives. Yum!
lindsey says
March 28, 2012 at 5:15 pmYum! I’d love that! I’d totally share it at my dad’s upcoming birthday because we are all gluten-free, and he loves sausage, etc. and so many have sketchy ingredients!
Janet Lewis says
March 28, 2012 at 5:30 pmI love salami with a cracker!
Lynne says
March 28, 2012 at 5:33 pmAh boo that it’s not open to international readers, but I do understand :(( It looks amazing. Keep up the great work!
Susan says
March 28, 2012 at 5:58 pmSounds yummy — wish I could enter the giveaway. Thanks for introducing me to a new GF product!
Maya says
March 28, 2012 at 6:12 pmI like it with a piece of cheese!
Cindy W. says
March 28, 2012 at 7:34 pmI love Columbus brand lunchmeats. Costco sells them for a great price. I have not tried the salami but would pair it with crackers and a piece of cheese.
Grace says
March 28, 2012 at 7:43 pmHi, I’m 12 years old and I love to bake and cook. I just wanted to tell you I made your recipe for pizza muffins tonight and they were delicious!! Thank you for the recipe!
Shirley says
March 28, 2012 at 7:46 pmHi there Grace! Welcome to gfe. 🙂 Thank you so much for popping in to tell me that. It totally makes my day! So happy that you are cooking and baking, and especially enjoying gfe recipes! 😉
Shirley
Renata says
March 28, 2012 at 8:54 pmCrackers paired with salami are my go-to pick me up snack!
Renata says
March 28, 2012 at 8:54 pmFan on facebook too -thanks so much!
Eileen Cooper says
March 28, 2012 at 10:30 pmLove salami on crackers. My son loves salami too. I would love to try these.
Kristen says
March 28, 2012 at 11:20 pmI love eating salami with sharp cheddar cheese!
Nicole says
March 28, 2012 at 11:59 pmMy favorite way to eat salami is in a toasted gluten-free sandwich with lots of ketchup.
Karol says
March 29, 2012 at 12:35 amI love Columbus deli meats, but have never had their salame…I am a huge fan of salame though and would love to try this. I enjoy it on sandwiches with mustard and on gf crackers with sundried tomatoes.
Karol says
March 29, 2012 at 12:36 amI already like Columbus Salame on facebook.
Stacy says
March 29, 2012 at 9:31 amOn the rare occasion my boys keep salami in the house long enough for me to eat it, I like to snack on it with an orange or clementine. The flavors work perfectly together!
Anne Y says
March 29, 2012 at 12:50 pmI love the flavor of salame so I normally eat it alone….sometimes i have a little spicy dip though too.
Jessica says
March 29, 2012 at 8:58 pmUm…my preggo taste buds are saying “Yes, please!”
Jessica says
March 29, 2012 at 8:59 pmI “like” Columbus Salame on Facebook!
Sharon says
March 29, 2012 at 9:12 pmI love salami with a little Swiss cheese or even just plain for snacking. It’s also great in salads with some Italian dressing!
Mir says
March 29, 2012 at 9:44 pmI love salami no matter how you spell it. 😉 Especially when I’m out of gf crackers—they’re a handy holder for cheese to go with my wine, HA!
Jessica P says
March 29, 2012 at 10:18 pmwith some tasty grain-free biscuits and cheese! 😉
Nichi says
March 29, 2012 at 10:20 pmLove salami in a salad, with cheese or olives…actually pretty much however I can get it!
Monique says
March 29, 2012 at 10:22 pmHoly moly is this post tempting! My late grandfather used to make the most delicious salami. Mmmmmm
Jen A says
March 29, 2012 at 10:25 pmYum! I noticed that salame in your picture as well. You could just tell it was amazing. I love salame as part of an antipasto plate (just not with crusty bread anymore). Will have to give your rolls a try as soon as I get around to boiling more hommous beans 🙂
Monique says
March 29, 2012 at 10:26 pmOh crud, I guess I didn’t finish the previous comment before posting it. My favorite way of eating salami: pure, just like my grandfather and I used to eat it. I was way too young back then to drink wine with him but I’m sure I make him proud now every time I drink red wine with salami 🙂
And I also liked Columbus on Facebook
Marissa says
March 29, 2012 at 10:34 pmJust straight out of the package! Or as a sandwich with some spicy mustard!
Jennifer says
March 29, 2012 at 10:53 pmI love giveaways–I mean salami! And I love it on crackers, or in a sandwich with lots of mayo. Yum!
Pascale D. says
March 29, 2012 at 10:56 pmWe love to eat salamis in sandwiches, or with crackers & cheese & dips at cocktail & hors d’oeuvres time. I like it as a quick snack with pickle & chips. I also like mine with mashed potatoes or pasta. Good salami goes well with a lot of dishes, snacks, crackers & more. The possibilities are endless!!
T. Earp says
March 29, 2012 at 10:58 pmI haven’t had it since going GF, but I would have it on Miracle Whip slathered GF crackers.
Leanne says
March 29, 2012 at 11:06 pmI love the Columbus brand salames. They are perfect paired with a great Italian red wine or on my favorite panini. I make the panini with gluten free ciabatta bread, the Italian dry Columbus salame, fresh basil, roasted red peppers and a good fontina cheese. Buon appetito!
Michelle says
March 29, 2012 at 11:15 pmI like salami cut up in pieces, grilled, and dipped in honey mustard. So yummy! Haven’t had it in years though since its hard to find some without MSG or other chemicals.
Mary Ann says
March 29, 2012 at 11:30 pmI love salami with crackers !!
Sharon Baridon says
March 29, 2012 at 11:31 pmLOVE SALUMI!!!!!! SALAMI!!!!! SALUME!!!! LOVE IT ALL!!!
Jamie Lee Erne says
March 29, 2012 at 11:48 pmI love eating salami on a nice antipasti platter, maybe a glass of wine and a nice night with my boyfriend, if we can ever get a babysitter.
Gretchen Schlier says
March 29, 2012 at 11:54 pmI like my salami sliced very thin…On a sandwich, crackers or just by itself!!!! I’ve never tried the Columbus brand and I will have to look for it at my favorite market!
Esther says
March 30, 2012 at 12:21 amGreat giveaway!!! I loooove salami on gf crackers!!!
Susan Jonell Roragen says
March 30, 2012 at 2:00 amI love good salami any way it’s served! Really! Just bring it on. 🙂
Susan Jonell Roragen says
March 30, 2012 at 2:01 amI like gfe on facebook
Susan Jonell Roragen says
March 30, 2012 at 2:02 amI get gfe by e-mail
Valerie says
March 30, 2012 at 7:38 amThis looks so good! I would eat it in a salad!
Dianna Payne says
March 30, 2012 at 8:05 amOur family is a ‘good’ German family and we love Salami. I’m excited to read about Columbus salami because I had given up on eating it again. My gf daughter has been very sad, BUT NOW :D)))))
Janet Lewis says
March 30, 2012 at 3:14 pmI won and am so excited! I’m looking forward to my Columbus salami. Thank you so much for this wonderful giveaway!
denise mallett says
March 30, 2012 at 5:21 pmI was just eyeing up some salami this morning at our local grocery! I was surprised and delighted to see an email this afternoon with such fantastic news that I am one of the winners! Thank you for the chance to win such an awesome prize. As I was squealing my dear hubby said he never knew someone could get so excited over salami!! 🙂
denise mallett says
March 30, 2012 at 5:50 pmShirley, I wrote a post but am not seeing it. Did it come across? 🙂
Paleo Parents says
April 1, 2012 at 8:54 pmThank you so much Shirley! We will definitely be enjoying it!