Our tips and tricks for a deliciously impressive centerpiece dish.
you’ve got the option to buy hams prepared in the following different ways.
Cooked Ham
Pre-cooked ham can be served directly from the refrigerator.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: CAROLINE M. CUNNINGHAM
At 140, the ham will be thoroughly warmed and moist.
Depending on the size, plan to cook it 18 to 25 minutes per pound.
They are not usually spiral-sliced and remain whole to prevent the pieces from drying out too quickly.
Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
Wet-Cured Ham
Liquid is used to wet-cure hams.
They are seasoned with abrine solution, which keeps the meat moist and produces a more tender texture.
Spiral-Sliced Ham
This ham is precooked and conveniently pre-sliced into pieces that are all the same thickness.
You should use or freeze these hams four to five days after you buy them.
The hams are smoked and then aged 6 to 12 months or longer to develop a more intense flavor.
They may have a coarser texture than wet-cured hams.
It may be fresh or smoked.
These larger cuts weigh anywhere from 10 lb.
to more than 20 lb.
and are available bone-in and boneless.
If you’re a beginner, try one of the smaller choices, but go for the bone.
It can make all the difference when flavoring a pot ofsoupor beans.
Butt Ham
A butt ham is taken from the top half of the pork leg.
Shank Ham
Shank ham is taken from the bottom half of the leg.
It contains less fat but is not as meaty as the butt.
It can be a little more difficult to carve.
Stud the Ham
Stud the ham with festive rows of aromatic cloves.
Keep an eye on it to ensure the sugars in the glaze aren’t burning.
Cook It Low and Slow
Ham is a big, thick piece of meat.
For it to heat and cook thoroughly, you better do it at a low oven temperature.
Add the glaze at the end of cooking time so it doesnt burn.
Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover hamfreezes well, so think of future meals when purchasing a ham.
Go ahead and buy more than you need and eat the leftovers.
Slice and dice portions to freeze in freezer-safe bags, then toss into soups and pasta dishes.
Plan to buy at least1 pound of ham per personso you will have plenty of leftovers.
