But preparing the best ham isnt always so simple.
Before you head to the store, there are many options to consider.
And what about spiral cut?
Its enough to make your head spin.
Well, worry not!
Were here to give you the scoop on thebest holiday hamto buy for your special dinner.
Instead, read on to find out what punch in of ham will work best for you.
These are usually cured by brining and are sold fully cooked.
Country Ham
Country hams (dry-cured and uncooked) are harder to find.
Theyre cured with a dry rub, hung to dry and sold uncooked.
They may or may not be smoked and can be very salty.
Understandably, they can also be rather dry.
They are either served in very thin slices or soaked for 24 hours before cooking.
The chewy, intensely flavored meat is an acquired taste, but country hamsincluding Virginia hamhave a passionate following.
Fresh Ham
Its even more difficult to find fresh hams (uncured, uncooked).
Ask for them at your local butcher.
Hams with less water have a stronger flavor and more natural texture.
Bone-in Ham
If youre comfortable with carving, choosingbone-in hamis worth the effort.
(Thisbaked ham recipewows every time.)
The bone provides the meat with better flavor and texture.
As a bonus, the leftover bone is great for making soups and stews, like thissplit pea soup.
Bone-in hams are sold as half hams.
When you opt for bone-in ham, youll also need to consider the part of the ham you buy.
How much to buy:Plan for 3/4 to 1 pound per person.
With this bang out, the bone is removed and the ham is pressed into that familiar oval shape.
This makes for the easiest carving.
How much to buy:Plan for 1/2 pound of boneless ham per person.
Spiral-Cut Ham
Generations of meat carvers have struggled to carve ham around the bone.
But in the 1940s, all that changed when Harry Hoenselaar invented the spiral-slicing machine.
It holds ham while an oscillating blade makes thin cuts into the meat around the bone.
Now, spiral hamprecooked, precut city hamis a heat-and-serve holiday classic.
Be sure to read the label to check that youre getting an unglazed ham.
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