Leg Ham

Leg Ham refers to a cured and often smoked cut of pork taken from the hind leg of a pig. It’s a popular choice for festive meals, sandwiches, or as a centerpiece for a buffet. Leg ham can be purchased cooked, uncooked, or glazed, depending on preference. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare and serve it:

Types of Leg Ham:

1. Smoked Ham: Has a deep, smoky flavor, often fully cooked and ready to serve.
2. Cured Ham: Salt-cured and sometimes aged, may require cooking.
3. Fresh Ham: Raw and uncured, requiring full preparation and cooking.
4. Glazed Ham: Often pre-cooked with a sugary or spiced glaze, perfect for reheating and serving.

How to Cook a Leg Ham:

For a Glazed Ham:

A glazed leg ham is a showstopper, perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients for Glaze:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
   • Place the ham on a roasting tray. If the ham has skin, carefully remove it, leaving a thin layer of fat.
   • Score the fat in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves (optional).
2. Make the Glaze:
   • Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and cloves in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Glaze and Bake:
   • Brush the ham generously with the glaze.
   • Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes per pound, basting with glaze every 20 minutes.
   • The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) if pre-cooked or 160°F (70°C) if uncooked.
4. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
   • Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

How to Use Leftover Leg Ham:

1. Sandwiches: Sliced ham with mustard, cheese, and fresh bread.
2. Soups: Add diced ham to pea soup or chowders.
3. Quiches and Pies: Use ham in savory quiches or pot pies.
4. Pasta: Mix ham into creamy pasta sauces like carbonara.
5. Breakfast: Include ham in omelets, scrambled eggs, or hash.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. Consume within 5-7 days.
• Freezing: Freeze ham slices or chunks in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.