Are you craving a taste of Southern Maryland’s famous stuffed ham?
This unique delicacy, with its rich history dating back to the 17th century, is a must-try for any foodie. But where can you find it?
While it may be readily available in St. Mary’s County, it can be a challenge to locate outside of the region. Fear not, as we’ve done the research and scoured the area to find the best places to purchase this mouth-watering dish.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover where you can buy a Southern Maryland stuffed ham.
Where Can I Buy A Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham?
If you’re lucky enough to live in or near St. Mary’s County, you’ll have no trouble finding a delicious stuffed ham. Local markets like Chaptico Market, W.J. Dent & Sons, Murphy’s Town & Country Store, and Brandy Farms are all known for their high-quality stuffed hams, available year-round.
But what if you’re not in the area? Don’t worry, there are still options for you. Some local supermarkets may carry stuffed ham during the holiday season, particularly around Easter. However, if you want to ensure you’re getting the real deal, it’s best to order directly from a trusted source.
W.J. Dent & Sons is one such source, offering Southern Maryland stuffed ham for purchase online. With notice, they can even pack and ship the ham via overnight delivery, so you can enjoy it no matter where you are.
The History Of Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham
Southern Maryland stuffed ham is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for over 200 years. It is believed to have originated in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and remains popular in the region to this day. The stuffing is what really makes this dish special, and it typically includes kale, collard, and mustard greens, as well as watercress, cabbage, celery, and onion. The ham itself is corned or smoked and is boned before being stuffed with the vegetable mixture.
There are many theories about the origin of stuffed ham and its association with Easter. One theory suggests that after abstaining from meat for Lent, it was thought wise from a digestion standpoint to cut the richness of a regular Easter ham with lots of greens. Another theory suggests that indentured or enslaved West Africans would season the greens and onions left over in the winter garden with red pepper and stuff it into jowls or whatever chunks of pork they had on hand.
Despite the various theories about its origin, Southern Maryland stuffed ham has become a beloved staple of holiday feasts in the region. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of enslaved people who were able to create a delicious dish using whatever ingredients they had available to them.
Today, Southern Maryland stuffed ham can be found at local markets in St. Mary’s County as well as online retailers like W.J. Dent & Sons. Whether you’re a long-time fan or trying it for the first time, this traditional dish is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
What Is Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham?
Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham is a unique and delicious dish that has been a staple in the region for over 200 years. It is a variety of ham that is stuffed with a mixture of cabbage, kale, onions, spices, and seasonings. The ham is then covered with extra stuffing, wrapped in a cloth to hold everything together, and boiled until the meat and greens are fully cooked. The stuffing is what really makes this dish special, with kale, collard, and mustard greens being called for, along with watercress, celery, and onion to provide background savoriness.
The history of stuffed ham dates back to early 17th-century Maryland, where it is believed slaves working on the plantations created the recipe. They added fresh vegetables from the garden to their meat rations and boiled everything together in a cloth bag to create a delicious blend of pork and greens made from the lesser cuts. Once plantation owners tasted the dish, it found its place on their dining tables. Today, Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham is enjoyed on special occasions such as holidays and family gatherings.
The process of preparing these hams is labor-intensive, with the cured ham deboned by hand and slits cut inside for the stuffing mixture to be packed into. On average, 10 pounds of stuffing are used per ham, with any excess placed around the ham. The hams are wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with butcher’s cord to hold everything together during cooking. The result is an extremely moist and succulent ham full of stuffing with almost every bite.
If you’re looking to try this unique dish for yourself, there are several local markets in St. Mary’s County known for their high-quality stuffed hams. However, if you’re not in the area or want to ensure you’re getting the real deal, it’s best to order directly from a trusted source like W.J. Dent & Sons who offer Southern Maryland stuffed ham for purchase online and can even pack and ship it via overnight delivery.
Where To Find Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham In St. Mary’s County
If you’re in St. Mary’s County, you have a few options for finding a delicious stuffed ham. The Chaptico Market is a local favorite, located in a modest white building just off the roundabout in Chaptico. They offer high-quality stuffed hams year-round, perfect for any occasion.
W.J. Dent & Sons is another great option, located in the heart of St. Mary’s County. They prepare stuffed ham all year long and offer it for purchase by the pound or by the sandwich.
Murphy’s Town & Country Store is also worth checking out, offering a variety of local specialties including stuffed ham. And if you’re willing to venture outside of St. Mary’s County, Brandy Farms in Gambrills is known for their delicious stuffed hams as well.
No matter where you choose to purchase your Southern Maryland stuffed ham, be sure to savor every bite of this local delicacy.
Where To Buy Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham Outside Of St. Mary’s County
If you’re outside of St. Mary’s County and looking for a taste of Southern Maryland stuffed ham, your options may be more limited. While some supermarkets may carry it during the holiday season, it’s best to order directly from a trusted source to ensure quality.
W.J. Dent & Sons is a great option for those outside of the area, as they offer Southern Maryland stuffed ham for purchase online. They can even pack and ship the ham via overnight delivery, so you can enjoy it no matter where you are.
Another option is to try making your own stuffed ham at home. While the main ingredient, corned fresh ham, may be difficult to find outside of Southern Maryland, there are recipes available online that use alternative cuts of pork.
How To Store And Serve Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham
Storing and serving Southern Maryland stuffed ham requires some care to ensure that the flavors are preserved and the texture remains moist and succulent. Once you’ve purchased or prepared your stuffed ham, it should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator. It’s important to keep the ham at a consistent temperature of 40°F or below to prevent spoilage.
When it’s time to serve the ham, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before slicing. This will allow the ham to come to room temperature and make it easier to slice. Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices, and be sure to include some of the stuffing with each slice.
Southern Maryland stuffed ham is traditionally served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you prefer your ham warm, you can gently heat slices in a skillet or microwave. Be careful not to overheat the ham, as this can cause it to dry out.
To serve, arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or sliced vegetables for a colorful presentation. Southern Maryland stuffed ham is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cornbread stuffing. No matter how you choose to serve it, this classic dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Making Your Own Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making your own Southern Maryland stuffed ham, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
– One 20-22 pound corned ham, boned
– 10 pounds cabbage
– 1 1/2 pounds kale
– 3 pounds onion
– 3 tablespoons crushed red pepper
– 2 tablespoons black pepper
– 1 package cheesecloth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and trim any excess fat from the ham.
2. Wash the cabbage, kale, and onions in cold water. Chop the vegetables and mix them thoroughly in a large bowl with the red and black pepper to make the stuffing.
3. Cut slits all over the ham about 2 inches deep and the same across. Generously fill the slits and the cavity where the bone was with your stuffing.
4. Tie the ham with a string back in its original shape, wrap with cheesecloth and tie again. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for five hours.
5. Drain the ham and cool it overnight in the refrigerator.
6. Serve cold.
Note: Making your own stuffed ham can be time-consuming and requires some skill, but don’t be intimidated. Take your time and follow these steps carefully for a memorable holiday feast.
