Answers to your questions

Deli Mama! I received a raw ham, what do I do???

     SIDNEY PADOW'S UPDATED DIRECTIONS!

For best results follow recipes on back of your Raw Smithfield or Country Ham bag. If no recipes are available, try these time proven methods.
To begin preparation of your Ham:

Wash ham thoroughly in warm water. Use a stiff brush to remove surface mold, if present. This mold is in no way injurious. Aged ham, like aged cheeses, mold in the process. Soak Country Ham in cold water for 12 to 24 hours or Smithfield Ham for 24 to 48 hours, to reduce saltiness. If using Oven Methods for cooking, soak ham longer for a less salty taste. This will not alter the flavor.

WATER COOKING METHOD - SMITHFIELD HAM
1. After soaking ham for 24 to 36 hours , place ham skin side down in large kettle and cover in cool water.
2. Bring water to 190°F (simmering, not boiling).
a. Cook covered approximately 20 to 25 minutes per pound or until 163°F internal temperature.
b. Add water as needed to keep ham covered completely.
c. When done, remove ham from kettle and place fat side up. While hams is still warm, remove skin and fat as desired.
3. Follow instructions for Glazing.

OVEN COOKING METHOD - SMITHFIELD HAM
1. Scrub ham then soak for 36 to 48 hours, changing water at least twice.
2. Place ham fat side up in roasting pan
3. Add 5 cups of water, then cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
4. Cook using the following method:
a. Preheat oven to 300°
b. Bake ham for at least 3 hours or 20 minutes per pound
c. Using a meat thermometer – check for 163°F internal temperature through thickest part of ham
d. When done, remove ham and place fat side up. While ham still warm, remove skin and fat as desired.
5. Follow instructions for Glazing

WATER COOKING METHOD – COUNTRY HAM
1. Scrub ham then soak for 12 to 24 hours, changing water at least once.
2. Place ham skin side down in large kettle and cover in cool water.
3. Bring water to 190°F (simmering, not boiling).
a. Cook covered approximately 20 to 25 minutes per pound or until 163°F internal temperature.
b. Add water as needed to keep ham covered completely.
c. When done, remove ham from kettle and place fat side up. While hams is still warm, remove skin and fat as desired.
4. Follow instructions for Glazing.

OVEN COOKING METHOD – COUNTRY HAM
1. Scrub ham, then soak for 12 to 24 hours, changing water at least once.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F
3. Place ham fat side up in roasting pan, then add 5 cups water and cover pan.
a. Put roaster in the oven, and turn the oven to 500°F for 10 minutes only.
b. Turn oven off and leave for 3 hours.
c. Finally, turn the oven to 500°F for not more than a total of 25 minutes.
d. Leave the ham in the oven for six to eight hours.
Do Not Open Oven Door at any point during this process until it is complete. When done, insert thermometer to make certain temperature has reached 160°F.
e. When done, remove ham from oven. While ham still warm, remove skin and fat as desired.
4. Follow instructions for Glazing.

TO GLAZE HAM
1. While ham is still warm, remove skin and fat to desired thickness.
2. Place back into roasting pan
3. Rub or sprinkle the fat side of ham with brown sugar.
4. Optional:
 a. bread crumbs
 b. ground cloves
 c. Score fat side of ham in diamond shape and insert whole cloves into center of each diamond.
 5. Heat oven to 400°F.
 6. Place uncovered ham in oven for 10 minutes or until glaze had crusted.
 7. Remove and serve hot or cold

- Sidney Padow