Are you looking for a delicious and high-quality ham to serve at your next holiday gathering? Look no further than Excelente Cooked Ham!
This beloved ham store, located in Quiapo, has been a go-to for many Filipinos who prefer their Christmas ham made with the age-old method against mass-produced hams sold at supermarkets.
But once you have your hands on this delectable ham, how do you cook it to perfection? In this article, we’ll explore different cooking methods and provide tips on how to make the most out of your Excelente Ham.
Get ready to impress your guests with a mouth-watering centerpiece for your holiday feast!
How To Cook Excelente Ham?
There are several ways to cook Excelente Ham, depending on your preference and available equipment. Here are some methods to try:
Choosing The Right Excelente Ham For Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the right Excelente Ham for your needs, there are a few things to consider. First, determine if you want bone-in or boneless ham. The bone-in ham will have more flavor, but it can be harder to carve. If you prefer convenience, go for the boneless ham.
Next, decide if you want pre-sliced ham or whole ham. Pre-sliced ham is great for sandwiches and easy to serve, but a whole ham can be more impressive and allow for more creative presentation.
Consider the flavor profile you’re looking for as well. Excelente Ham offers both sweet and salty options, so choose based on your personal taste preference. If you’re unsure, try a sample of each before committing to a larger purchase.
Finally, think about your budget. Excelente Ham offers a range of prices for their different cuts and flavors, so choose something that fits within your price range.
No matter which Excelente Ham you choose, make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully to ensure the best flavor and texture. With a little planning and consideration, you can serve up a delicious holiday ham that will impress your guests.
Preparing Your Ham For Cooking
Before you begin cooking your ham, it is important to properly prepare it. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Thaw your ham: If your ham is frozen, make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This will ensure even cooking and prevent harmful bacteria from growing.
2. Clean your work area: Before handling your ham, make sure to clean and sanitize your work area to prevent contamination of other food or preparation surfaces.
3. Trim excess fat: Depending on your preference, you may want to trim excess fat from your ham before cooking. This will not only make it healthier, but also allow the glaze to penetrate the meat better.
4. Score the ham: Scoring the ham involves making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface of the meat. This allows the glaze to seep into the meat and creates an attractive presentation.
5. Apply a glaze: A glaze adds flavor and texture to your ham. There are many different glaze recipes to choose from, but most include a combination of sweet and savory ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Excelente Ham is properly prepared for cooking and will turn out delicious and flavorful.
Oven-Baking Your Excelente Ham
One of the most popular ways to cook a ham is by oven-baking it. This method is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. To begin, let the ham sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before roasting. This will help it to cook more evenly.
While the ham is coming to room temperature, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apricot preserves, honey, brown sugar, dijon, and butter. Bring to a simmer and cook for one minute, whisking constantly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Preheat your oven to 325°F and line your roasting pan with foil for easier cleanup. Place the ham in the roasting pan cut-side down and brush on 1/3 of the glaze. Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake it in the oven for 10-11 minutes per pound (about 2 hours for an 11.5 lb ham). Keep in mind that the ham is already cooked, so you just need to heat it up to about 110°F.
After the initial cooking time, increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with another 1/3 of the glaze. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove from oven again and brush with remaining 1/3 glaze and roast uncovered another 10 minutes until a brown crust has formed and the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F.
Once done, transfer the ham to a serving dish and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Strain pan juices through a sieve, skim off any fat that floats to the top, and spoon pan juices over ham slices when serving.
If you want to add some extra presentation flair, you can decorate your ham with cloves or pineapple slices before baking. Alternatively, you can remove the tinfoil during the last few minutes of cooking and broil in the oven for a few minutes to get really nice browned caramelized sugar from the glaze on top.
Glazing Your Ham For Extra Flavor
One of the easiest ways to add extra flavor to your ham is by glazing it. A good ham glaze should be a balance of sweet and tangy, complementing the savory saltiness of the ham. The most common ingredients used in ham glazes are honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
To make a glaze, simply combine your desired ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before brushing it onto your ham.
When it comes to glazing your ham, timing is key. Wait until the last 15-20 minutes of baking before brushing on the glaze. If you start too early, the sugar in the glaze could cause it (and the ham’s skin) to burn. Prepare at least one cup of glaze for every five to ten pounds of ham.
To glaze your ham, pull the roasting pan out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the ham with the glaze, making sure to cover all sides. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
One tip for making your ham glaze even more flavorful is to add spices such as cinnamon or cloves. These can be added in small amounts (1/2 teaspoon or less) to create a warm and comforting tapestry of flavors that are subtle but delicious.
Remember that your ham glaze will thicken upon standing, so be prepared to reheat it on your stove for 30 seconds or so when it’s time to brush your ham for the second and third time. And don’t forget to save some extra glaze to serve alongside your cooked ham for even more flavor!
Alternative Cooking Methods For Excelente Ham
1. Roasting: Roasting is a classic way to cook ham, and it’s a great option for Excelente Ham. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the ham in a roasting pan. You can add some water or broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist. Cover the ham with foil and roast for about 18-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. For a flavorful twist, try adding a brown sugar and beer glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
2. Grilling: Grilling is another great option for Excelente Ham, especially if you want to add some smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the ham on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly charred. You can brush the ham with a glaze or marinade during cooking for extra flavor.
3. Slow Cooking: Slow cooking is a convenient way to cook Excelente Ham, especially if you want to set it and forget it. Place the ham in a slow cooker and add some liquid, such as water or broth, to keep it moist. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until heated through and tender. You can add some herbs or spices to the liquid for extra flavor.
4. Sous Vide: Sous vide is a precise way to cook Excelente Ham, and it ensures that the ham stays moist and tender. Place the ham in a vacuum-sealed bag and cook in a water bath at 140°F for about 2-3 hours, or until heated through. You can add some herbs or spices to the bag for extra flavor.
No matter which method you choose, remember to let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the ham stays moist and flavorful. Enjoy your delicious Excelente Ham!
Serving Your Perfectly Cooked Excelente Ham
Once your Excelente Ham is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the delicious flavors. Here are some tips for serving your ham:
1. Let it rest: After taking the ham out of the oven, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the ham stays moist and tender.
2. Slice it up: Use a sharp knife to slice the ham into thin, even slices. If you scored the fat side of the ham before cooking, use those lines as a guide for slicing.
3. Add some glaze: For an extra burst of flavor, brush some of your favorite glaze over the sliced ham before serving. You can use the glaze recipe provided above, or get creative and come up with your own.
4. Pair with sides: Ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic holiday meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Or, mix things up and try serving it with roasted acorn squash or a fresh green salad.
5. Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover ham, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before putting it in the freezer.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Excelente Ham is not only perfectly cooked, but also perfectly served and enjoyed by all.