BAKED VIRGINIA HAM CARE

Thank you for purchasing a fine ham product from Sheldon's. Our hams represent a half century tradition where we can enjoy ham products today exactly the same as our grandparents.

Soaking of our hams is recommended but not imperative. To cook, put in a large pot, cover the ham with water, and bring to a boil and then simmer for approximately 3 hours or until the blade bone gets loose. After the ham is done, use rubber gloves to bone the ham while it is still warm, if so desired. Remove excess fat and skin, sprinkle ground cloves or place whole cloves on the fat side and sprinkle brown sugar over the cloves. Place in oven at 250 degrees until the brown sugar caramelizes, remove, cool, and slice thinly.

Very little care is needed to protect your ham slices until they are consumed, except to prevent them from drying. Wrap your ham in plastic wrap and keep it covered in the

refrigerator. It can be frozen, but do not allow it to be crushed while frozen. Should your ham show signs of dryness (aged hams by their nature are drier than fresher hams), simply steam the ham to reconstitute its appearance before serving. Cover the serving platter with plastic wrap, add boiling water for steam, microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Baked Virginia ham is an intensely flavorful product and it must be thinly sliced. An average serving is three (3) ounces. Scraps and end pieces can be turned into a great spread by chopping the ham somewhat finely, adding grated cheddar cheese, chopped sweet pickle and mayonnaise to the required consistency. Simply combine 1/2 pound of finely chopped ham bits, 1 & 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped sweet pickles, and 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise and stir to the combine the ingredients. The ham bits also make great seasonings for your cooking.

Submit your own Cooking and Serving Hints to
sheldons@hovac.com
and you may see your recipe on this page!