By: Jenna Anding, Associate Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist, The Texas A&M System
Ham is a good source of protein. The type of ham in the commodity program has no bones and is already cooked. The outside of the ham has a protective covering that must be removed before it is eaten.
Each ham weighs about 3 pounds and will make about 12 servings, each 3 ounces. A 3-ounce serving is about the size of a deck of playing cards.
Uses
Because the ham is already cooked, you can simply thaw it and slice it for sandwiches. You may also cut the ham in small pieces and serve it in a salad, or in an egg omelet.
How to store it
Store frozen ham in the freezer in its original package until it is ready to be used.
How to thaw it
Place the frozen ham on a plate and put it on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator. It may take up to 15 hours for the ham to thaw, so be sure to put the ham in the refrigerator the day before you want to use it. Once thawed, the ham should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.
Note: Even though the ham is already cooked, do not leave it out on the kitchen counter to thaw. If you thaw it at room temperature, you may get sick.
How to heat it
Place the ham in a heated oven (325 degrees F) for about 2 hours. The internal temperature of the ham should be 165 degrees F. The ham can be heated with or without the protective cover. Be sure to remove the cover before serving the ham.
Honey-Orange Glazed Ham (makes 12 servings, 3 ounces each)
What you need
1 orange (or ½ cup orange juice)
½ cup honey
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon (if you like)
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (if you like)
3-pound fully cooked whole ham
How to make it
- Wash your hands; make sure your cooking area is clean.
- Peel and squeeze the orange; keep the juice.
- Mix the juice, honey, cinnamon and cloves in a small bowl. Set it aside.
- Remove the protective cover and place the ham in a shallow roasting pan.
- Bake the ham at 325 degrees F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Baste the ham with the honey-orange glaze. Cook it for another 45 minutes. Serve.
Download a printer-friendly version of this publication: Cooking with Cooked Ham
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