Using Cooking Bags - Baked Ham Recipe

Baked Ham Recipe

With ham being a traditional delicacy during Christmas and Easter holidays it is important to spare time to learn how to cook it well for juicy and hot servings. Every year I try out different ham recipes and this year was no different. I tried this and I must say that the results were an excellent dish that my whole family loved. Well here it is and I would recommend this recipe to anyone as it is simple.

The recipe below is for fully cooked ham and we are just warming it by baking and adding flavour to it.

Ingredients
10 pounds whole smoked ham (fully cooked)
4 cups of water
Cooking bag
1 cup dark brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup mustard
½ cup whole cloves
11/2 tablespoons of flour

Method

- Remove any excess fat from the ham and make cuts of ¼ inch deep across the rounded skin side of the ham.
- Mix the cinnamon, brown sugar and mustard in a large bowl.
- Coat the flour in the large cooking bag. The flour prevents bursting of the bag during the cooking process.
- Put the ham into the cooking bag and pour the spice mixture into the bag. Distribute the mixture evenly around the bag and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 360 degrees F.
- Remove the ham from the marinade and layer the cloves on top with intervals of about 11/2 inch.
- Put the ham in a roaster which should be about 2 inches deep.
- Add 4 cups of water to the bag and close tightly with a nylon tie.
- Make sure to trim the ends of the bag to prevent ends from touching the oven.
- Make small slits on top the bag to allow for steam to escape when it builds and prevent the bag from bursting.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 hours, 20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F on a meat thermometer. While cooking make sure the bag is not touching the top or sides of the oven as we do not want our bag to melt and mess the ham.
- If you are using bone-in ham, make sure the thermometer is not touching the bone when taking the temperature.
- Remove the ham from the bag and pour off any excess juice.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes and this allows the internal temperature to rise even more.
- Carve and serve.

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Posted in: Baked,Cooking,Recipe,Using

Cooking the Greek Way

Cooking the Greek way means drinking while you cook, including your guests in the preparation, using sinful amounts of olive oil on everything, and dipping from the same bowl. Laugh if you must, but those are the facts as I see them.

Unlike Italian food where a lot of things are saturated in cheese, Greek food is saturated in olive oil. Actually, the Greeks have a saying that their food should be "swimming" in olive oil, and it does. Oftentimes when guests are watching the preparation of the food, they gasp at the amount of olive oil that is used.

Despite the large amount of olive oil that is used in preparation of Greek dishes, the Greek diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world today. The Greek diet consists of cheese (goat cheese), spices like oregano, basil and garlic, pork, fish, lots of fruits and vegetables, and a healthy dose of alcohol (for drinking). Yes the Greeks love to eat large meals with friends, family and any who want to join them. Afterward there is dancing and laughter. Maybe the laughter and dancing contribute more to the health of the culture than does the content of the food. Either way, the food is excellent and the culture is friendly and warm.

It's funny to me that people often assume that because I am Greek, all I cook and eat is Greek food. In fact I may not actually cook enough but when I do, I am a pasta lover. I just can't help it. However, when going to parties or entertaining, I alway find myself falling back on my standard Greek fare. Yes, it is often that I show up with hummus in hand and a side of fresh warm pita. The truth is people really do love hummus. Fresh hummus. And that is why I keep bringing it. It keeps on pleasing.

What I've discovered is that while Americans seem to be quite familiar with Italian and Mexican cuisine, Greek cuisine is oftentimes overlooked or misunderstood Greek food is simple, tasteful, healthy and no harder to make than any other type of food. For example, Greek hummus can be made in under five minutes and is healthier by far than a spinach and artichoke dip

I have often wondered how a simple Greek hummus dish can create such a splash. Do they think I've slaved over it? Surely not. Why is it that people do not make their own hummus when it really is so easy? I'm not sure if it's because they don't know how to make hummus or because they assume it is difficult to make. It really is simple to make hummus. So find a recipe you like and give it a try. It may become your new favorite take-along dish.

Whether it's hummus you're making or some other wonderful Greek dish, my best advice to you is don't be afraid of the olive oil. Use plenty. Your taste buds will thank you and so will your heart. And rather than having everything prepared prior to guests arriving, try including them in the preparation of the meal. When friends come to eat, it's common to share a glass of wine in the kitchen while chatting over pureeing garbanzo beans. It creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that leaves an impression on the guests and contribute to a favorable, memorable dining experience and is considered cooking the Greek way.

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Posted in: Cooking,Greek