Are you looking to cook a delicious ham for your next family gathering or holiday meal?
Look no further than the Block and Barrel Ham. This flavorful ham is a popular choice for many households, but cooking it can be a bit of a challenge.
With so many different methods and recipes out there, it can be tough to know where to start. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cooking a Block and Barrel Ham, from preparation to serving.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook A Block And Barrel Ham?
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to understand what a Block and Barrel Ham is. This type of ham is typically fully cooked and ready to eat, but can also be heated and glazed for added flavor.
To cook a Block and Barrel Ham, start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a shallow roasting pan with foil and place the ham on a rack in the pan. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham.
Bake the ham uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. While the ham is baking, mix together a glaze of your choice in a small bowl. This can be a combination of sugar, maple syrup, and ground spices, or any other flavors you prefer.
During the last 30 minutes of baking, brush the ham with the glaze mixture. This will add a delicious layer of flavor to your ham. Once the ham is fully cooked and glazed, remove it from the oven and cover it with foil. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
Choosing The Right Block And Barrel Ham
When it comes to choosing the right Block and Barrel Ham for your meal, there are a few things to consider. First, decide whether you want a bone-in or boneless ham. Bone-in hams are generally considered to have more flavor, but they can be more difficult to carve.
Next, consider the size of the ham. Block and Barrel offers hams in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of ham per person.
Finally, think about the flavor profile you’re looking for. Block and Barrel offers spiral-sliced hams that come pre-glazed, but if you’re following a specific recipe that calls for an unglazed ham, be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing.
No matter which Block and Barrel Ham you choose, rest assured that it will be a delicious addition to your meal. With its high quality and flavorful taste, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s sandwich cravings.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before you begin cooking your Block and Barrel Ham, it’s important to prepare it properly. Using a small sharp knife, cut a zig-zag pattern around the shank end of the ham, about 10cm from the end of the bone. This will create an attractive presentation for your ham.
Next, run the knife around the edge of the ham rind. Then, run your fingers under the rind of the ham, between the fat layer and the skin. Take it slow and don’t rush it, as you want to remove the skin without removing the fat. Once you have removed the skin from the ham, use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern about 1cm deep. Be careful not to cut into the ham meat, as you only want to score the fat.
Why do we score ham before cooking? Scoring helps the glaze adhere to the ham better. The glaze also gets in between all those score marks to create a stickier, more flavored end result. It also looks great for presentation.
Now that your Block and Barrel Ham is prepared for cooking, follow the instructions above for baking and glazing to create a delicious and impressive dish for any occasion.
Oven-Baking Method
The oven-baking method is a popular and easy way to cook a Block and Barrel Ham. To begin, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a shallow roasting pan with foil. Next, place the ham on a rack in the pan and insert an ovenproof meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham.
Bake the ham uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s crucial to check the packaging instructions for your specific ham and follow what it says for cook time. If your ham is larger or smaller than average, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
While the ham is baking, mix together a glaze of your choice in a small bowl. This can be a combination of sugar, maple syrup, and ground spices, or any other flavors you prefer. During the last 30 minutes of baking, brush the ham with the glaze mixture. This will add a delicious layer of flavor to your ham.
Once the ham is fully cooked and glazed, remove it from the oven and cover it with foil. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it easier to slice.
Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking your Block and Barrel Ham, you can also use a slow cooker. This method is perfect for those who want a tender and juicy ham without the hassle of constantly checking on it in the oven.
To cook your ham in a slow cooker, start by spraying the inside of a 6 to 7-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray. Make cuts about 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern on the top of the ham. Place the ham in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, stir together mustard, syrup, and brown sugar until well blended. Pour the mixture over the ham. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 3 to 4 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted in the ham reads 140°F.
If you prefer a fall-apart tender ham, you can let it cook longer for 10-12 hours on low. This method is perfect for families who prefer a more casual dinner of shredded hot ham and roll sandwiches. It’s also the best for making any leftover ham recipes.
Once your ham is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender ham.
Glazing The Ham
Glazing the ham is an essential step in adding flavor and a beautiful glossy finish to your Block and Barrel Ham. Here are some tips to keep in mind when glazing your ham:
1. Wait until the last 30 minutes of baking to apply the glaze. Applying it too early could cause the sugar in the glaze to burn.
2. Prepare at least one cup of glaze per five to ten pounds of ham. Mix together your desired ingredients, such as sugar, honey, mustard, or spices, in a small bowl.
3. Use a pastry brush or spoon to apply the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham.
4. If desired, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and create an attractive presentation.
5. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F or 400°F for the last 10 minutes of baking if you want a more caramelized glaze. However, be careful not to let it burn.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and visually appealing Block and Barrel Ham that will impress your guests.
Serving And Storing The Ham
Once your Block and Barrel Ham is fully cooked and ready to serve, it’s important to know how to properly store any leftovers. Leftover cooked ham, like any other leftovers, must be reheated to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature also applies to hams that come from places that are not USDA inspected.
If you have any leftover ham, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to six months. To freeze ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to use the frozen ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
When serving your Block and Barrel Ham, be sure to let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. You can also serve your ham cold, which is a delicious option for sandwiches or charcuterie boards.