Alton Brown’s City Ham is a holiday classic that can elevate any table. This guide will take you through the steps to create the perfect ham that will impress your guests. First, choose the right ham. A city ham is the way to go, as it is cured and smoked to perfection. Next, score the ham and glaze it with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bake the ham until it is golden brown and delicious. To add extra flavor, add aromatics like bay leaves and cloves during cooking. Finally, let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. By following these steps, you will have a juicy, flavorful ham that will be the star of your holiday table.
What is a “city ham”?
A City Ham is a type of cured ham that has been processed in a city or urban area. It is typically sold fully cooked and ready to eat, making it a popular choice for holidays and special occasions. City hams are usually bone-in and have a sweet and salty flavour profile.
Why Choose Alton Brown’s City Ham Recipe?
Alton Brown’s recipe for city ham takes a classic holiday dish and elevates it to a new level of deliciousness. His recipe features a homemade glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savoury flavors, and his tips and techniques ensure that the ham is cooked to perfection.
Selecting the Perfect City Ham
When selecting a city ham, look for one that is fully cooked and has a good balance of meat and fat. A bone-in ham will have more flavor, but a boneless ham may be easier to carve. Make sure to check the label for any added preservatives or chemicals, and choose a ham that is the appropriate size for your needs.
Preparing the City Ham for Cooking
Before cooking the ham, remove it from the packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and trim away any excess fat. If the ham has a rind, score it with a sharp knife to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat.
Alton Brown’s City Ham Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 city ham, bone-in
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze over the entire surface of the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake it for 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and brush the ham with additional glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the ham is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Let the ham rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Glazing and Serving the City Ham
Alton Brown’s glaze for the city ham is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Brush the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get it into any scored rind or crevices. During the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, brush the ham with additional glaze to create a delicious, caramelised crust.
When serving the ham, slice it thinly against the grain and arrange the slices on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or sliced fruit, if desired.
Pairing suggestions for Alton Brown’s City Ham
Alton Brown’s city ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green beans. For a Southern-style meal, serve the ham with collard greens and cornbread. To balance the sweetness of the ham, pair it with a crisp, dry white wine or a light, hoppy beer.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking the Perfect City Ham:
- Choose the right size ham for your needs. A general rule of thumb is to plan for 1/2 to 3/4 pound of ham per person.
- Score the ham before cooking to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and create a caramelised crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F before serving.
- Let the ham rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent the meat from drying out.
- Baste the ham with additional glaze during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to create a delicious, caramelised crust
Conclusion
Alton Brown’s City Ham is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their holiday table. By following his guide, you’ll create a juicy and flavorful ham that your guests won’t be able to resist. With the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from the glaze, and the added depth of flavor from the aromatics, this ham is a guaranteed showstopper. So, this holiday season, impress your loved ones with the delicious taste of Alton Brown’s City Ham, and make it a centerpiece of your festive feast.
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