Are you looking to impress your family and friends with a delicious, juicy ham this holiday season?
Look no further than an Ossian ham! With nearly 80 years of experience, Ossian has perfected the art of smoking meats to bring families and communities together.
But how do you cook an Ossian ham to perfection? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to cook an Ossian ham, including tips on cooking time, glazing, and seasoning.
Get ready to create mouthwatering memories and new family traditions with this award-winning smoked meat.
How To Cook An Ossian Ham?
Cooking an Ossian ham is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to ensure a delicious, juicy ham every time:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large baking dish. Pour water into the dish with the ham and cover it with foil or a lid.
3. Cook the ham covered for about an hour, allowing 15 minutes per pound.
4. While the ham is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing together butter, brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, and a pinch of salt.
5. After an hour of cooking, remove the ham from the oven and drain out the water. Brush one-third of the glaze mixture onto the top and sides of the ham.
6. Put the ham back into the oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and add another third of the glaze. Put it back into the oven for 10 more minutes. Remove it from the oven and add the final third of the glaze. Bake for a final 10 minutes uncovered.
7. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Choosing The Right Ossian Ham
When choosing an Ossian ham, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a delicious and successful meal.
First, consider the size of your ham. The weight of the ham will depend on the number of people you plan to serve. As a general rule, a 14-pound ham will serve around 20 people.
Next, it is important to choose a fresh ham rather than a frozen one. The thawing process of a frozen ham can have a major impact on the taste and texture of the meat, so it is best to avoid this if possible.
Additionally, be sure to choose a bone-in ham for maximum flavor. The bone adds richness and depth to the meat and makes for a more flavorful dish overall.
Finally, consider the type of Ossian ham you want to use. Smoked ham steaks with the bone-in are a popular choice for their rich, smoky flavor and easy preparation. No matter which type of Ossian ham you choose, following these guidelines will ensure a delicious and satisfying meal for you and your guests.
Preparing Your Ossian Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Ossian ham, it is important to properly prepare it. Here are some tips to ensure your ham is ready for cooking:
1. Thaw the ham: If your ham is frozen, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking.
2. Remove packaging: Take the ham out of its packaging and discard any plastic or paper wrapping. Be sure to remove any netting or strings that may be holding the ham together.
3. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern across the surface of the ham. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
4. Prepare the baking dish: Choose a large baking dish that is deep enough to hold the ham and any additional liquid. Line the dish with foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up.
5. Add liquid: Pour water, broth, or juice into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help keep the ham moist during cooking.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Ossian ham is properly prepared and ready for cooking. With a delicious glaze and slow cooking time, your ham will be a hit at any family gathering or holiday celebration.
Cooking Your Ossian Ham: Step-by-Step Guide
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for cooking your Ossian ham:
1. Take the ham out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature and ensures even cooking.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
3. Place a roasting rack into your chosen baking tin or roasting tray. The tray should be large enough to fit the whole ham.
4. Pour some water into the baking tin. This will catch all the drippings and juices while the ham is cooking, preventing them from burning and allowing you to baste the ham. You can add some wine or juice to the water for extra flavor.
5. Put the ham on the roasting rack and give it a generous brush of glaze.
6. Place the ham in the oven to cook. Baste and glaze every 10-15 minutes while it is in the oven, until you have a thick, luscious, sticky glaze layer of flavor.
7. If some parts of the ham look like they will start to burn, cover them with aluminum foil until the rest of the ham has finished caramelizing and is looking gorgeous. This way, the ham will have a nice even color.
8. The most important instruction for this step is to cook the ham slowly. Cover the meat with foil and place it cut-side down in a shallow roasting pan. Then bake the ham in a 325 degree oven for 22-26 minutes per pound OR until the internal temperature reaches between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, the key here is to cook the ham SLOWLY!
9. While the ham is baking in the oven, you can be mixing together your glaze. Mix together brown sugar, spicy mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cola. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes until it gets nice and darker in color.
10. After the ham is done baking, cover it with the glaze. Put it back into the oven uncovered and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes.
11. After it is done cooking, cover it with remaining glaze and let it sit for 10-15 minutes outside of the oven before serving.
12. Once rested, carve your Ossian ham and enjoy!
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious Ossian ham that will be sure to impress your guests!
Adding Flavor: Glazing And Seasoning Your Ossian Ham
One of the best ways to add flavor to your Ossian ham is by glazing it. Glazing involves brushing a mixture of sweet and savory ingredients onto the surface of the ham to create a caramelized, flavorful crust. Here’s how to do it:
1. Wait to glaze the ham until the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking. If you start brushing it on sooner, the sugar could cause the glaze (and the ham’s skin) to burn.
2. Prepare at least one cup of glaze per five to 10 pounds of ham. To make a basic glaze, mix together brown sugar, melted butter, and your choice of spices or seasonings. You can also add other ingredients like honey, mustard, fruit juice, or vinegar for added flavor.
3. To glaze the ham, pull the roasting pan out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack; make sure to close the oven door so heat doesn’t escape.
4. Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the ham with the glaze, then return it to the oven. Continue baking until the ham reaches the desired internal temperature (we suggest 140°F).
5. Serve it with additional glaze for extra flavor.
When choosing your spices and seasonings for the glaze, consider complementary flavors that will enhance the natural sweetness and saltiness of the ham. Popular options include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, ginger, orange zest, and mustard.
In addition to glazing, you can also season your Ossian ham with herbs and spices before cooking. Try rubbing a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and black pepper onto the surface of the ham for added depth of flavor.
Remember to always let your Ossian ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a moist and tender final product. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook an Ossian ham that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
Serving And Enjoying Your Ossian Ham: Tips And Suggestions
Now that you’ve cooked your delicious Ossian ham, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving and enjoying your ham:
1. Slice the ham thinly: When slicing the ham, make sure to cut it into thin slices. This will ensure that each slice is juicy and tender.
2. Pair with sides: Ham pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables. Consider adding a salad or bread rolls to complete the meal.
3. Serve with sauce: If you prefer to have sauce with your ham, consider serving it with a side of mustard or honey glaze. You can also use the leftover glaze from the cooking process as a sauce.
4. Store leftovers properly: If you have leftover ham, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ham can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
5. Get creative with leftovers: Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as omelets, quiches, or sandwiches. Consider trying out some new recipes to make the most out of your leftovers.
By following these tips and suggestions, you’ll be able to enjoy your delicious Ossian ham in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or using it in creative leftover dishes, your ham is sure to be a hit!
