Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare centerpiece for your holiday meal?
Look no further than Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham!
This fully cooked ham comes with a glaze packet for that perfect smoky-sweet flavor, making it a classic addition to any festive occasion.
But how do you cook it to perfection? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare and glaze your ham, as well as provide some tips for heating and carving leftovers.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham?
Preparing your Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham is easy. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Remove all packaging from the ham.
2. Place the ham face down in a baking dish or roasting pan.
3. Cover the ham tightly with a lid or foil.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 160C (325F) for about 15 minutes per pound (454g).
To glaze your ham, follow these steps:
1. Take the ham out of the oven 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
2. Preheat the oven to 220C (425F).
3. Empty the contents of the glaze packet into a small saucepan.
4. Add 22 mL (1 1/2 tbsp) warm water to the mixture.
5. Heat the glaze mixture on high until it begins to boil, stirring regularly.
6. Remove from heat as soon as possible.
7. Brush the glaze evenly over the warm ham’s surface.
8. Bake glazed ham for 10 minutes at 220C (425F) uncovered.
Remember, these are only guidelines, and oven temperatures may vary, so be sure to check your ham regularly while cooking.
Preparing Your Ham
When preparing your Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham, the first step is to remove all packaging from the ham. Once you have done so, place the ham face down in a baking dish or roasting pan. Make sure to cover the ham tightly with a lid or foil to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Next, preheat your oven to 160C (325F). Bake your ham in the oven for about 15 minutes per pound (454g) until it is fully heated through. It is important to note that your ham is already cooked, so the time it spends in the oven is to warm it through and create a beautiful sticky glaze. Overcooking your ham can cause it to become dry, so be sure not to exceed the recommended cooking time.
If you want to glaze your ham, follow these steps:
1. Take the ham out of the oven 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
2. Preheat the oven to 220C (425F).
3. Empty the contents of the glaze packet into a small saucepan.
4. Add 22 mL (1 1/2 tbsp) warm water to the mixture.
5. Heat the glaze mixture on high until it begins to boil, stirring regularly.
6. Remove from heat as soon as possible.
7. Brush the glaze evenly over the warm ham’s surface.
8. Bake glazed ham for 10 minutes at 220C (425F) uncovered.
After cooking, let your ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Glazing Your Ham
Glazing your Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham is a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal. Here are some tips to ensure your glazing process goes smoothly:
1. Wait until the last 10 minutes of baking time to apply the glaze. If you start brushing it on too soon, the sugar in the glaze can cause it to burn.
2. Prepare at least one cup of glaze per five to ten pounds of ham.
3. Use a basting brush or spoon to coat the ham with the glaze evenly.
4. Pull the roasting pan out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack when applying the glaze. Be sure to close the oven door so that heat doesn’t escape.
5. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
6. Serve with additional glaze for extra flavor.
Remember, you can always adjust the glaze recipe to your liking by adding different spices or ingredients. Experiment with different flavors to find one that suits your taste buds.
Heating Your Ham
To heat your Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham, you have two options:
1. Oven Heating:
– Preheat your oven to 325F (160C).
– Remove all packaging materials, including the clear “button” on the bone of the ham.
– Place the ham, cut side down, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
– Cover the ham loosely with foil and heat for approximately 20 to 25 minutes per pound until heated through.
– If you intend to glaze your ham, remove it from the oven 30 minutes before the end of the heating time.
– Prepare your favorite ham glaze and apply it evenly over the surface of the warm ham.
– Heat glazed ham uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.
– Remove the ham from the oven and let it stand covered for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
2. Reheating:
– Preheat your oven to 240F (116C).
– Place the ham into a pan with 1/4 inch water or other liquid of your choice and heat uncovered for about 2-3 hours depending on the size of the ham.
– Add a glaze during the last 30 minutes of heating time.
– When it’s warm to the touch, serve and eat.
Remember, overcooking your ham may make it dry, so be careful not to overheat it. Also, keep in mind that these are guidelines only, and oven temperatures may vary. So, always check your ham regularly while cooking.
Carving And Serving Your Ham
Once your Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham is cooked and ready to serve, it’s time to carve and enjoy! Follow these easy steps for a beautiful presentation:
1. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
2. Place the ham on a cutting board with the pre-cut side down.
3. Use a sharp carving knife to make a cut around the bone to free as many slices as desired.
4. Cut along the natural seams of the ham to remove sections of the slices already freed from the center bone.
5. Transfer the slices to a serving platter.
6. For the remaining meat on the bone, insert a fork into the meat next to the bone and make horizontal slices.
7. Transfer these slices to the serving platter as well.
8. Serve warm with your favorite sides and sauces.
Leftovers can be used in a variety of dishes, such as breakfast omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles. Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two months. Enjoy!
Leftover Ham Recipes And Ideas
If you have any leftover Compliments Hickory Smoked Ham, don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of delicious recipes and ideas to transform your leftover ham into something new and tasty. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Ham and Cheese Omelet: Combine diced ham with your favorite cheese, veggies, and eggs for a hearty breakfast.
2. Ham and Bean Soup: Use the leftover ham bone to make a flavorful broth for a comforting soup with beans and veggies.
3. Ham Fried Rice: Sauté diced ham with veggies, rice, and soy sauce for a quick and easy meal.
4. Ham and Potato Casserole: Layer sliced potatoes, ham, cheese, and cream in a baking dish for a comforting casserole.
5. Ham and Pineapple Pizza: Top your favorite pizza crust with tomato sauce, diced ham, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Ham Salad Sandwich: Mix diced ham with mayo, mustard, pickles, and celery for a classic sandwich filling.
7. Ham and Cheese Quiche: Combine diced ham with eggs, cheese, and veggies for a delicious brunch dish.
8. Ham and Broccoli Alfredo: Sauté diced ham with broccoli florets and toss with creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta.
9. Ham and Potato Soup: Simmer diced ham with potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots in chicken broth for a comforting soup.
10. Ham Pot Pie: Use leftover ham in place of chicken in your favorite pot pie recipe for a twist on a classic dish.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using leftover ham in new and delicious ways. Experiment with different recipes and see what works best for you!