www.qns.com APRIL 15, 2022 22RIDGEWOOD TIMES
How to effortlessly make your Easter ham
This year, make your Easter ham effortless by ditching
the oven and using your slow cooker instead.
While most people think about slow cooking for
staples like chili and stew, it’s also perfect for center-ofthe
plate feasts - like an Easter ham.
Using the slow cooker, you can minimize both prep
time and cleanup time, leaving plenty of room in the day
for church, hunting eggs and enjoying time with your
loved ones.
Ham is a tradition for many families this time of year,
and because it pairs well with a multitude of ingredients,
you can create a unique dish every time.
For a fresh spin on the classic ham, try this Sweet
Southern Slow-Cooker Ham recipe from the National
Pork Board. Apple cider and bourbon (or vanilla extract,
if you prefer) combine to create a rich flavor complemented
by the sweetness of brown sugar.
Round out your Easter menu by pairing your ham with
classic sides such as oven-roasted carrots, asparagus
wrapped in bacon and mashed sweet potatoes.
You can also use leftover ham for flavor-packed recipes
like Ham, Apple and Cheddar Crepes, which are ideal for
a family-style brunch.
SWEET SOUTHERN SLOW-COOKER
HAM
• Yield: 12 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4 to 8 hours
• 1 bone-in fully cooked ham, about 5 1/2 pounds
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup Kentucky bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
Place ham in large slow cooker. Whisk cider with
brown sugar, bourbon, honey and mustard. Slowly pour
over ham. Scatter thyme sprigs into slow cooker.
Cook on high for four hours or on low for 8 hours, or
until very tender. Remove ham to rest on cutting board.
Pass remaining cooking liquid through fine mesh sieve
into saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly
reduced. Carve ham into serving pieces. Brush ham
pieces with cooking liquid before arranging on platter.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note: For a non-alcoholic alternative, replace the bourbon
with 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
— Courtesy Family Features
EASTER
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