Sams Choice Ham Glaze Instructions⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide provides tips and step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, glazing, serving, and storing Sams Choice Honey Cured Double Glazed Ham.
Overview
Sams Choice Honey Cured Double Glazed Ham is a popular choice for special occasions and family gatherings. This pre-cooked ham is already glazed with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, but you can enhance the flavor and create a beautiful, caramelized finish by adding your own glaze. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of preparing, cooking, glazing, serving, and storing your Sams Choice ham to ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an impressive centerpiece for a holiday feast, Sams Choice ham is a versatile option. Its spiral-cut design makes it easy to slice and serve, and the pre-cooked convenience means you can focus on enjoying your time with loved ones, rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
The glaze included with the ham is typically a sweet blend of brown sugar, honey, and spices. You can use this glaze as is, or you can customize it with your own favorite ingredients. Popular additions include Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider, or even a fruity jam or jelly.
Ingredients
To prepare a delicious Sams Choice Honey Cured Double Glazed Ham, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. The primary ingredient, of course, is the ham itself. Sams Choice offers various sizes of ham, so choose one that suits your needs and the number of guests you are serving. A 7-10 pound ham is a good starting point for most gatherings.
The next ingredient is the glaze. Sams Choice ham typically comes with a glaze packet, but you can also use your own homemade glaze. If you’re using the included glaze packet, simply follow the instructions on the package. To create your own glaze, gather the following ingredients⁚
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
These are just a few suggestions, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a more citrusy flavor, include a tablespoon of orange juice. The possibilities are endless!
Cooking Instructions
Cooking a Sams Choice Honey Cured Double Glazed Ham is a straightforward process. The ham is already fully cooked, so you are essentially reheating it and adding the glaze. The key is to ensure the ham is cooked evenly and the glaze is caramelized to perfection. Here’s a step-by-step guide⁚
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature will allow the ham to cook evenly and retain its moisture. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a shallow roasting pan. Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during the initial cooking phase.
Bake the ham for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once the ham is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before glazing.
Now, it’s time to add the glaze! Remove the foil from the ham and brush it generously with the glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and place the ham back in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. This step will create a beautiful, glossy finish and enhance the flavor of the ham.
3.1. Preheating the Oven
Preheating your oven is a crucial step in ensuring that your Sams Choice Honey Cured Double Glazed Ham cooks evenly and retains its moisture. The ideal temperature for cooking a pre-cooked ham is 325°F (165°C). This temperature allows the ham to heat through thoroughly without drying out, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
Before you start preheating, make sure your oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly on all sides. Turn on the oven and allow it to preheat completely. Most ovens take about 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature. You can use an oven thermometer to verify that the oven has reached the correct temperature before proceeding with the cooking process.
Once the oven is preheated, you are ready to start preparing your ham. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a shallow roasting pan. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the ham, ensuring that it cooks thoroughly;
3.2. Baking the Ham
Baking your Sams Choice Honey Cured Double Glazed Ham is a simple process that requires minimal effort. Once your oven is preheated to 325°F (165°C), place the ham in the roasting pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to retain the moisture and prevent the ham from drying out during the cooking process.
The baking time will vary depending on the weight of your ham. A general guideline is to bake the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound. For example, a 7-pound ham would need to bake for approximately 70-84 minutes. To ensure that the ham is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
While the ham is baking, keep an eye on it to ensure that it doesn’t dry out. If the ham starts to become too dry, you can add a little bit of water to the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help to create steam and keep the ham moist.
3.3. Glazing the Ham
Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), it’s time to glaze it. The glaze will give the ham a beautiful golden brown color and add a delicious sweetness. The glaze packet included with your Sams Choice ham is a simple mixture of honey and brown sugar. You can use this glaze as is, or you can add your own personal touch by adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg.
To apply the glaze, remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Remove the foil from the ham and brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
For a more intense glaze, you can mix the glaze with a few tablespoons of ham juices before applying it to the ham. This will create a thicker, richer glaze that will stick to the ham better.
Serving and Storing
Once the ham is cooked and glazed to perfection, it’s time to enjoy! Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful ham. You can serve the ham hot or cold, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet potatoes.
If you have leftover ham, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the ham in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to use, thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips for a Delicious Ham
To ensure your Sams Choice ham is not only cooked perfectly but also incredibly flavorful, consider incorporating these helpful tips into your preparation process⁚
- Basting⁚ For a truly moist and tender ham, baste it regularly during cooking. Use the glaze packet provided or create your own with ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, or apple cider. Basting every 15-20 minutes will help lock in moisture and create a beautiful, caramelized glaze.
- Temperature Control⁚ While Sams Choice ham is fully cooked, it’s crucial to cook it to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the ham.
- Glazing Time⁚ For a perfectly glazed ham, save the glazing step for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and create a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Resting⁚ After cooking, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create a delicious and impressive Sams Choice ham that everyone will enjoy.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about cooking Sams Choice ham, along with their answers⁚
- How do I use the glaze packet that comes with the ham? The glaze packet typically contains a powdered mix that includes honey and brown sugar. You can simply sprinkle the glaze directly onto the ham before baking, or mix it with a small amount of water or ham juices to create a thicker glaze.
- Do I cook the ham glaze or put it on after? You should apply the glaze towards the end of the cooking time, allowing the ham to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures the glaze caramelizes and doesn’t burn.
- How long do I cook a Sams Choice spiral glazed ham? The recommended cooking time is 12-15 minutes per pound at 275°F (135°C). After glazing, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for an additional 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
- Can I make my own glaze for the ham? Absolutely! You can create a delicious glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, apple cider, orange juice, or even your favorite jam or jelly.
If you have any further questions about cooking Sams Choice ham, feel free to consult the package instructions or search online for additional tips and recipes.