The Simple and Easy Way to Cook a Ham

A home-cooked ham is one of the most popular choices for traditional holiday meals and makes an excellent dinner any time of year. Follow these simple tips and cook the most delectable ham you and your family have ever tasted.

Before beginning, line the roasting pan with aluminum foil to make clean up faster and easier later. Contrary to what you may have heard or read previously, do not add water to the pan. The ham will retain its own natural moisture and excess water will only dilute the juices. Preheat your oven to 325_F and cook slowly to keep the meat tender. Proper preheating will ensure that your ham develops a crispy outer surface while keeping the inside moist. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes per pound of ham. This only applies to hams that have not been precooked.

When you begin, place the ham in the roasting pan with the fatty side up. The fat will melt in the oven and naturally baste your ham with tasty juices that seep into the grain of the meat. Turn the ham halfway through the cooking time. This will prevent the meat from becoming salted unevenly by the brine present in the ham. When turning the ham, be careful not to use sharp cooking utensils like forks. This may puncture the outer surface of the meat, allowing natural juices to escape. Instead, try using flat wooden spatulas or spoons.

Use a meat thermometer to be sure that meat is cooked thoroughly. The thermometer should be inserted deeply into the meat but should not be allowed to touch the bone. This will result in a reading that is inaccurate and the temperature will have to be taken again. The ham can be removed from the oven when the thermometer reads 5 to 10 degrees below the desired temperature for fully cooked ham. The ham will continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes after it is removed from heat, allowing the meat to finish cooking without drying out. Glaze as desired and serve immediately.

Cooking a delicious ham is easy with the right technique and a simple, traditional recipe