Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare ham recipe that will impress your guests?
Look no further than the Corn King Ham!
This classic ham is a favorite among many households, thanks to its rich flavor and tender texture.
But how do you cook it to perfection?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare a mouth-watering Corn King Ham that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook A Corn King Ham?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you start cooking your Corn King Ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Score the Ham
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham diagonally both ways. This will help the flavors to penetrate the meat and give it a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Add Whole Cloves
Insert whole cloves into the top of the ham, spacing them about 1/2 to 3/4 inches apart. This will add a delicious aroma and flavor to your ham.
Step 4: Add Pineapple Rings and Cherries
Position pineapple rings on top of the ham, with a cherry in the center of each ring. Hold them in place with half a toothpick inserted in each cherry.
Step 5: Prepare Brown Sugar Syrup
Combine 3 cups of brown sugar with some of the pineapple juice and a little cherry juice. Mix until the sugar dissolves and forms a thick syrup. Add about 1/2 cup molasses to the mixture for added sweetness.
Step 6: Cover the Ham with Brown Sugar Syrup
Place the ham into a pan and cover the top with the brown sugar syrup mixture. This will give your ham a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will love.
Step 7: Bake Your Ham
Place your ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes per pound. Make sure to baste your ham with the brown sugar syrup every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 8: Add Cherry Marmalade
Remove your ham from the oven and top it with a thin layer of cherry marmalade. Return it to the oven for another hour or so, until it’s fully cooked.
Step 9: Let Your Ham Rest
Remove your ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your Corn King Ham thinly and serve it with your favorite sides. Warn everyone to remove the cloves before eating, as they can be quite strong if eaten whole.
Choosing The Right Corn King Ham
When it comes to choosing the right Corn King Ham, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the size of your gathering and how much ham you’ll need. Plan for 3/4 to 1 pound per person to ensure everyone has enough to eat.
Next, consider whether you want a bone-in or boneless ham. A bone-in ham will provide better flavor and texture, as well as a leftover bone that can be used for making soups and stews. However, if you prefer easier carving, a semi-boneless ham may be a good option. This type of ham has the shank bone removed but still contains the leg bone for added flavor.
Finally, think about the flavor profile you’re looking for. Corn King Bacon is known for its great smoked flavor at a value price, so you can expect their hams to have a similar taste. If you prefer a sweeter ham, consider adding pineapple rings and cherries during the cooking process, as outlined in the above steps.
No matter which Corn King Ham you choose, following these cooking instructions will result in a delicious and impressive centerpiece for your next meal or gathering.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
To prepare your Corn King Ham for cooking, you’ll want to start by taking it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow it to come to room temperature and cook more evenly. Once it’s at room temperature, score the surface of the ham diagonally both ways using a sharp knife. This will help the flavors to penetrate the meat and give it a beautiful presentation.
Next, add whole cloves to the top of the ham, spacing them about 1/2 to 3/4 inches apart. This will add a delicious aroma and flavor to your ham. After adding the cloves, position pineapple rings on top of the ham, with a cherry in the center of each ring. Hold them in place with half a toothpick inserted in each cherry.
Now it’s time to prepare the brown sugar syrup. Combine 3 cups of brown sugar with some of the pineapple juice and a little cherry juice. Mix until the sugar dissolves and forms a thick syrup. Add about 1/2 cup molasses to the mixture for added sweetness.
Place the ham into a pan and cover the top with the brown sugar syrup mixture. This will give your ham a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will love. Finally, bake your ham in a preheated oven at 325°F (162°C) for approximately 10 minutes per pound. Make sure to baste your ham with the brown sugar syrup every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once your ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Slice your Corn King Ham thinly and serve it with your favorite sides. Warn everyone to remove the cloves before eating, as they can be quite strong if eaten whole.
Cooking The Corn King Ham
Cooking the Corn King Ham is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) to ensure even cooking. Next, score the surface of the ham diagonally both ways to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and create an attractive presentation.
After scoring the ham, add whole cloves to the top of the ham, spacing them about 1/2 to 3/4 inches apart. This will add a delicious aroma and flavor to your ham. You can also add pineapple rings and cherries on top of the ham for added sweetness and flavor.
To prepare a brown sugar syrup, combine 3 cups of brown sugar with some of the pineapple juice and a little cherry juice. Mix until the sugar dissolves and forms a thick syrup. Add about 1/2 cup molasses to the mixture for added sweetness.
Place your scored and spiced ham into a pan and cover it with the brown sugar syrup mixture. This will give your ham a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will love. Bake your ham in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes per pound, basting it with the brown sugar syrup every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once your ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and top it with a thin layer of cherry marmalade. Return it to the oven for another hour or so until fully cooked. Finally, let your ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing it thinly and serving it with your favorite sides.
Glazing And Serving The Ham
Once your Corn King Ham is fully cooked, it’s time to add the finishing touch by glazing it. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together some of the cooking juices that have accumulated in the pan with marmalade, mustard, and cinnamon. Reserve half of the mixture for later.
Step 2: Brush the Ham with Glaze
Brush the ham with some of the glaze mixture using a pastry brush. Make sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
Step 3: Bake for 5 Minutes
Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and give your ham a beautiful golden brown color.
Step 4: Repeat Glazing
Repeat this process twice more, brushing the ham with glaze every 5 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Let Your Ham Rest
Remove your ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the glaze to set and the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your Corn King Ham thinly and serve it with your favorite sides. Drizzle some of the reserved glaze over each slice for added flavor. Your guests will love the sweet and savory taste of your glazed ham!
Leftover Ham Ideas
If you have any leftover Corn King Ham, don’t worry! There are plenty of delicious ways to use it up. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Ham Casserole – Combine your leftover ham with some cooked pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a delicious and easy casserole.
2. Ham and Cheese Omelette – Dice up your leftover ham and add it to a cheese omelette for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
3. Ham and Bean Soup – Use your leftover ham bone to make a flavorful soup with beans, vegetables, and herbs.
4. Ham and Pineapple Pizza – Top a pizza crust with tomato sauce, cheese, diced ham, and pineapple for a sweet and savory treat.
5. Ham Salad Sandwich – Mix diced ham with mayonnaise, celery, and onion for a tasty sandwich filling.
6. Ham and Potato Hash – Fry up diced potatoes and onions with your leftover ham for a delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
7. Ham Fried Rice – Use your leftover ham in place of chicken or pork in a classic fried rice recipe.
These are just a few ideas to inspire you in using up your leftover Corn King Ham. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious meat!
