Hams for the Holidays

Courtesy of Sacramento Bee

Hi Friends,

A trio of recipes will make your ham even more savory and delicious. There is nothing like a ham for a Sunday or holiday dinner. Step out of your normal comfort zone this Holiday Season and try one, two or even all three of these delicious ham recipes. Explore the possibilities -- you will shine!

Mustard-Glazed Ham
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2 1/2 hours
Serves: 10

It is not necessary to glaze a ham, but it gives it a nice appearance and a little flavor boost. This recipe is from the National Pork Board.

1 5-pound boneless ham
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
2 teaspoons dry white wine

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place ham on rack in shallow pan. Roast ham for 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 hours or until internal temperature reads 140 degrees. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, mustard and wine. Brush ham with this glaze during the last 20 minutes of cooking. Slice ham and serve.

Smoked Ham with Cranberry Chutney
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 1/2 hours
Serves: 16

This can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. It tastes best if allowed to come to room temperature before serving.

1 boneless, fully cooked smoked ham, 4 to 6 pounds
1 can (16 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 can (8 1/4 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1 bottle (5 ounces) prepared horseradish

Place ham in shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a 325-degree oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until meat thermometer registers 140 degrees. Remove from oven; slice thinly to serve.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl. Transfer to serving bowl, serve immediately, or cover and chill until serving. Serve chutney alongside ham.

Peach-Glazed Country Ham
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Serves: 50

This glaze is great even if you are not cooking a country-style ham. We've included the prep instructions for a country ham, but most will come with soaking instructions.

Note: The prep time does not include the 12- to 24-hour soak time for the ham. The cook time is for a 12-pound ham.

1 10- to 14-pound country-style ham
2/3 cup peach jam or preserves
Pecan halves

Using a stiff brush, thoroughly scrub the ham. Place in a large pot; cover with water and soak for 12 to 24 hours, changing water several times. Drain. Cover ham with fresh water and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes per pound. Ham is done when flat (pelvic) bone moves easily.

Lift ham from simmering liquid and remove to drain over sink. When ham is cool enough to handle, and place on a large, shallow roasting pan, jelly-roll pan or cookie sheet. Remove the rind with a sharp knife, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick layer of fat. Score the ham at 1-inch intervals. Spread with peach preserves and dot with pecan halves. Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until the glaze browns. Transfer ham to a serving platter and cool slightly. To serve, cut ham into paper-thin slices.

Check back for more great Holiday ideas and recipes!

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Live well,
Yvonne