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Preparing a Ham
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A traditional Easter centerpiece, ham can be intimidating to cooks, but it needn't be – after all, it typically comes precooked! The key is reheating the ham without drying it out.
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If you purchase a spiral ham, you can opt to serve it cold; however, many guests like a warm entrée. Therefore, to reheat the spiral ham, place it cut-side-down on heavy-duty aluminum foil and wrap it up completely. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and bake the ham for 10-14 meats per pound, or until a thermometer reads 140 degrees. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
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For a non-spiral ham, place it on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 2 cups of water to the bottom of the pan and cover it tightly with foil. Bake in a 325-degree oven for 15-20 minutes per pound. If applying a glaze, unwrap the ham, ush on the glaze, increase the heat to 400 degrees, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
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If you purchase an uncooked or partially cooked ham, plan accordingly as it takes slightly more time. Remove any skin and trim it to ¼-inch fat. Let it stand at room temperature for 1 ½ to 2 hours before cooking. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees, and place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, cut-side-down. Let it cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Glazes
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Let's talk glazes for a minute. You'll often see hams with a own sugar glaze or served with pineapple. These are both delicious, traditional accompaniments, but how about something new this year?
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Chipotle-Cherry Glaze
1 cup cherry preserves
¾ cup Dijon mustard
¾ cup light own sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 chipotle chilies in adobo, minced, plus 1 teasopon adobo sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
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In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Add one-third of the glaze at the beginning of the cooking process. About 20 minutes before the ham is done, baste it with the remaining glaze, reserving about a ¾ cup to serve on the side.
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More favorite Easter recipes to help make your day special:
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Buttermilk Pancakes with Peack Topping
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