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How to Cook the Perfect Holiday Ham

written by

Kim Hitzfield

posted on

November 21, 2019

Autumn is upon us, and so are the holiday dinners. Different foods come to mind, but one of the most delicious options is a delectable holiday ham. No matter how you choose to prepare it, ham is a mouthwatering and beautiful centerpiece for your holiday feast.

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We at Seven Sons Farms know how to make the perfect holiday ham, and we're here to share our secrets!

How Do I Choose a Ham?

The first things to know about holiday hams are where to get one and what qualities to seek. Here, we'll talk about buying from a grocery store versus buying locally or from a farm and how to select the perfect ham.

Grocery Store vs Farm

One consideration when buying a holiday ham is whether you should buy from a local, family-owned business versus the grocery store. Nowadays it's possible to buy local at your convenience. Additional benefits of buying local include:

- Knowing the source of your meat
- Knowing where your money goes
- Putting money back into the local economy

Seven Sons Farms is a family-owned farm, and we offer a variety of sliced ham and whole roast options in different sized packages, to fit any family's needs. Check out this natural, sugar-free smoked ham roast that we offer in our shop.

Pre-Cooked or Raw?

Ham typically does not need to be cooked before eating it. This is because it is usually cured, smoked, or baked before it is sold, a process known as "pre-cooking".

Pre-cooked ham can be eaten as-is, but it could be roasted to warm and flavor before eating. Cured ham must be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The type of ham can be identified by the packaging.

If purchasing raw, the meat needs to be cooked prior to eating. Raw hams are marketed as "fresh".

It is possible, although less common, to purchase a ham uncooked or raw.

Size

When planning a holiday dinner, you should estimate about a quarter-to half-pound per person for a boneless ham and a half to three-quarters of a pound per person for a bone-in ham. Bone-in hams can weigh between 10-18 pounds, and boneless weigh in at around 7-10 points.

Finally, if you're baking your ham at home, keep in mind that ham typically loses 15-22% of its weight when baked.

Bone-In versus Bone-Out

Bone-out ham is more convenient to eat, but bone-in ham is more flavorful. In addition, the bone can be used to flavor different soups and stews.

Ham Steaks

We generally know steaks as beef, but hams can be made into steak cuts, too! Ham steaks are center-cut slices of ham, ranging in thickness from 3/8 inch to 1 inch thick. Depending on your holiday dinner, ham steaks can be an alternative to a whole ham.

Ham steaks can be grilled, fried, or baked. They can also be glazed before cooking for added flavor!

What Is the Best Method for Cooking Ham?

As we've said, ham typically comes pre-cooked by means of curing or smoking. In this section, we'll cover the best cooking methods for ham. You CAN actually grill or deep-fry ham, but these are our tried and true recommendations:

Baking

Baking is the traditional method for cooking a raw ham, and even cooked hams can benefit from a quick warm-up in the oven.

For hams labeled "Cook Before Eating" or "Fresh Ham", place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. For hams between 10-15 pounds, cook for 18-20 minutes per pound. For a ham weighing 5-7 pounds (usually a half-ham), cook for 20 minutes per pound.

For hams that come fully cooked, place the ham in the oven in the same configuration as above. For hams between 10-15 pounds, bake for 15-18 minutes per pound. For a ham weighing 5-7 pounds, bake for 18-24 minutes per pound.

Boiling

Ham can be kept moist through this cooking method, and flavors can be enhanced by adding organic vegetables, herbs, and spices to the water while it boils.

Place the ham in a large pot, cover with water, and add the desired herbs and spices to the water. Boil the water then turn the heat back down so the water is barely bubbling. Cover and cook for 20 minutes per pound of meat. After cooking, leave the meat in the water until it's fully cooled to prevent the meat from drying.

Ham Crusting and Seasoning

Hams are different from beef or poultry in that most of the flavoring is from seasoning in a crust or glaze. In this section, we'll cover different crusts you can put on your ham to make the outside textured and flavorful.

Brown Sugar Crust

Brown sugar creates a crispy and sweet carmelization on the outside of the ham while keeping the inside smoky and delicious. When purchasing a whole ham, consider crusting the outside of your ham with brown sugar and other spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.

Mustard and Herb Crust

Using mustard, thyme, cumin, and breadcrumbs in a crust will cut through the fat and enhance the already smoky flavor of the ham. It also gives it a fantastic texture.

Nuts and Cereal

Combining nuts such as almonds with cereal such as crushed corn flakes can add interesting texture to the outside of the ham. Use in combination with a glaze (such as the one we've recommended below) to lock in moisture and enhance flavors.

Ham Marinade

Ham can be marinated overnight to soak in flavors and keep in moisture. Try mixing some ginger ale and pineapple juice with brown sugar, cider vinegar, and spices. Marinating your ham will take away any extra saltiness and add delicious savory flavor.

Glazing

Glazing can be considered Part 2 of seasoning a ham. Glazes take only a few minutes to make, and they add flavor, color, and shine. Remember to score the skin of the whole ham (1-inch diamonds 1/4 inch deep) to allow the glaze to penetrate the thick skin and fully flavor the meat.

Whatever glaze you choose to enhance your ham, always save some of the glaze (if possible)! You can add it to some biscuits or sandwiches as leftovers!

Pineapple Glaze

Pineapple glaze is a classic for any kind of ham. The pineapple glaze can be used in combination with brown sugar for added sweetness.

Mix one cup of brown sugar with 12 ounces of pineapple juice. If the ham is bought uncooked, pour half of the mixture over the ham about one hour before it's finished cooking, and pour the rest over the ham 30 minutes before cooking is complete.

If the ham is pre-cooked, pour half of the mixture before placing it in the oven and the other half when the ham has been in the oven for at least ten minutes.

Stout Glaze

This recipe uses Irish stout (or apple cider), honey, and butter. Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for about ten minutes. If purchased uncooked, brush the ham with the glaze about 20 minutes before cooking is complete. If purchased pre-cooked, brush the glaze on before heating the ham.

Apricot Cherry Glaze

This recipe combines fruit preserves with lemon juice for a tangy and sweet twist. Combine a half cup of apricot preserves with a half cup of cherry preserves, add a tablespoon of lemon juice, and mix. If purchased uncooked, brush the ham with the glaze about 20 minutes before cooking is complete. If purchased pre-cooked, brush the glaze on before heating the ham.

Maple Pecan Glaze

This recipe is great for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Take one cup of maple syrup, one cup of orange marmalade, one tablespoon of butter, and one-half cup of toasted pecans. Combine all wet ingredients and heat until bubbling, then stir in the pecans. This glaze adds a crunch factor to the ham.

Side Dishes for Ham

To accompany your holiday ham, we can suggest a multitude of side dishes, but fresh, organic vegetables from a local farm source can accompany any dinner.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic for any dinner, especially around the holidays. Try combining different kinds of potatoes, such as Russet and Yukon Gold to get different textures. Use lots of grassfed butter and don't be afraid of the salt and pepper when seasoning!

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is another holiday hit. In combination with cream sauce, fresh mushrooms, and a crunchy fried onion topping, this side dish is sure to satisfy. Add in some shredded cheddar as well if you're a cheese lover.

Cornbread

Homemade cornbread tastes much better than box mixes and takes only a little more effort to make. It's a classic that can go with any main dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Amid all the casseroles and breads, it's nice to get some simple and flavorful vegetables to accompany the ham centerpiece. Try roasting vegetables with some thyme and rosemary for an out-of-this-world aromatic feel.

What To Do with Leftovers

Cooked ham can last in the refrigerator for about 5 days, but it can be frozen for up to three months. There are tons of recipes to create with leftover holiday ham! Whether you prefer a hearty ham and corn chowder or a ham hash, there are plenty of satisfying recipes for leftovers. Here are a few ideas:

- Make some Ham and Bean soup
- Cook up a tasty omelet
- Throw together a delicious sandwich with mustard and swiss cheese
- Slice or chop up some ham for use as a pizza topping (with or without chunks of pineapple)

Final Thoughts

Ham is one of those amazing centerpiece dishes that leaves us just wanting more. If you'd like to know more about cooking a holiday ham, or if you have any tips and tricks you'd like to share, leave a comment below or contact us today!

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Sustainable Dining: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Your Pork Chops

Tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops are always a great idea for dinner. Better still, this nutritious, premium cut is exceptionally versatile.  Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Italian, or a good old-fashioned cookout, pork chops can be paired with a variety of side dishes for a satisfying, nutritious meal.  Ready for some inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite sides to accompany our pasture-raised heritage pork chops.  Classic Companions for Pork Chops Classic recipes are classics for a reason. These tried-and-tested flavor combinations make for beautifully balanced, mouth-watering dinners that you’ll want to cook again and again. They’ll taste even better when you prepare with high-quality chops from heritage pork. Thyme and Garlic Roasted Vegetables Pork chops’ delicately sweet yet savory flavor harmonizes wonderfully with roasted vegetables. Better still, you can use whatever you have in the refrigerator: peppers, onions, green beans, broccoli–any and all vegetables pair well with our pork chops. Season your vegetables and pork chops with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme for a quick and tasty midweek meal. Spread them on a baking tray and cook in the oven for around 30 minutes at 400F. Try different flavor combinations, like honey and garlic, smoked paprika, or a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for a bit of a twist.  Apple Sauce Pork chops and applesauce have been a winning duo for generations. The apple's acidic sweetness beautifully complements the pork's meatiness.  To serve up a tasty dinner, cook your pork chops in the skillet and serve with nutty brown rice, roasted green beans, and a generous side of sweet, tart applesauce.  Other fruit sauces, such as pear or cranberry sauce, work fantastically, too. Try our recipe for pear sauce with pork chops, and let us know what you think.  Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Another hearty, decadent dinner is oven-roasted pork chops with buttery mashed potatoes, smothered in a rich, velvety gravy. In fact, any kind of potato accompanies pork chops perfectly. Some of our favorites are hasselback potatoes, potatoes au gratin, or garlic butter-roasted potatoes.  Whatever you cook, serve your meal alongside a helping of steaming, meaty gravy to accentuate the taste of the pork and enhance the creaminess of your potatoes.  Contemporary Twist on Pork Chop Sides If you’d like to cook something a little more inventive, the following recipes will surely be a hit with friends and family.  Zesty Quinoa Salad When the weather’s warmer outside, you’ll no doubt want to grill your pork chops. Try pairing them with a light, zesty quinoa salad for a healthy, deliciously textured lunch or dinner. The great thing about quinoa salad is how easy it is to make. 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This easy, slow-cooked dish promises succulent, juicy perfection with every bite. All you’ll need are canned cherry tomatoes, garlic, sage, butter beans, chopped chorizo, and pork chops. Throw all your ingredients in the slow cooker, leave to stew for 3-4 hours, and then serve. It’s really that simple! Sides That Pair Well With all Pork Cuts The fantastic thing about these side dishes is that they go well with several different cuts of pork.  For example, pork ribs are delicious when glazed in sweet, tangy apple sauce. They also pair excellently with sweet potato fries, quinoa salad, or mashed potatoes and gravy.  The same goes for pork roasts like succulent pork belly and tender pork tenderloin. You can turn these versatile cuts into the centerpiece of any dish, across almost any cuisine.  Whether you cook a British-style roast dinner with creamy mashed potatoes or a Spanish-inspired butterbean dish, these cuts can be paired with a number of side dishes for a variety of delectable flavor combinations.  Why Choose Seven Sons for Your Pork At Seven Sons, we’re committed to providing you with the highest-quality food. That means sustainably raised pork, free from antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs.  Together, with our partner farms, we provide our hogs with a stress-free environment on open fields and regenerative pastures using animal stewardship practices that promote health and hardiness. Not only is our way kinder, but the quality of the meat is better. Compared to conventional pork, Seven Sons’ pork cuts are far more nutritious, tender, richer in flavor, and higher in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Ready to taste the difference? Order your Seven Sons pork chops today.

A Complete Guide to Pork Cuts and How to Cook Them

Pork is a versatile meat rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great addition to a healthy diet, and you can cook it in various ways. Which cut of pork you choose and how to cook it, depends on a few things.  Before deciding which cut is right for you, consider the source. Pasture-raised, heritage breeds produce more flavorful pork with better nutritional content[1] than standard grocery store products.  But can you tell the difference between pasture-raised pork and industrially produced pork? Yes! Our pork is firm and darker pink in color (indicating the animal was pasture-raised). Pork meat that is pale in color, soft, or damp was most likely factory-farmed. As a bonus, all our pork is sugar-free and free from GMOs, nitrates, and antibiotics. Now that we’ve sorted that out, let’s talk about the different pork cuts!  1. Bacon  Bacon is a breakfast staple for a reason, and it’s our #1 selling product of all! These thin slices of pork are quick to cook–making them a great, tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner option! We recommend frying, baking, or grilling your pork bacon until it turns dark pink and the fat is crispy around the edges. Bonus: You don’t need to stop at breakfast with your bacon. Wrap a tasty filet mignon, top your favorite hamburger, or make bite-sized pieces to mix in with oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or Cobb salad. 2. Pork Sausage Another breakfast staple – pork sausage – is made of cuts from the shoulder and loin of the pig. We season our sausage with black pepper, red pepper, rosemary, and sage to give it a rich, hearty taste.  For the healthiest option, grill or oven-bake your sausages until browned and cooked through–or fry them in a skillet for 10-12 minutes. Then, serve with eggs, in a breakfast sandwich, or with a side of sweet potato hash. 3. Ham Ham comes from the hind leg of the hog. 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Ground Pork Cut primarily from the shoulder and hind sections, ground pork is the perfect base for meals across cuisines: Italian meatballs and pasta sauces, French casseroles, soups or stews, and much more. How you cook your ground pork will depend on what you’re making.  6. Baby Back Ribs  Baby back ribs come from the back and loin of the pig. They’re smaller and meatier than their spare ribs, and quicker to cook. You can use a dry rub or glaze with your favorite seasoning, then bake or barbecue until the meat easily pulls away from the bone. 7. Pork Shoulder Pork shoulder is a hearty, flavourful cut of meat perfect for slow cooking, smoking, or roasting. We love putting it in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours, along with garlic, onion, and spices. When the pork shoulder comes out, it’s juicy and tender, falling apart with a touch of the fork. 8. Tenderloin Pork tenderloin is a long, boneless cut of meat from the loin muscle that runs along the pig's backbone. This cut is mild in flavor and tender, so you can cook it in a variety of ways.  Try pork tenderloin prepared in the slow cooker with a creamy garlic sauce for a simple mid-week dinner. Our pork Wellington recipe is sure to impress for a show-stopping dinner. 9. Pork Crown A pork crown is created by tying a whole bone-in pork loin into a circle. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for a family gathering or dinner party. The best way to cook it is to roast it. First, rub it with garlic and herbs, then let it marinate overnight. The next day, roast it in the oven for 1.5-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. 10. Pork Butt Despite what the name indicates, pork butt comes from high up in the shoulder of the pig. This cut is known for its marbling and depth of flavor, and it’s usually smoked or roasted to make pulled pork.  As with pork shoulder, you’ll want to rub the pork butt with your chosen seasoning before slow cooking in the oven, smoker, or slow cooker for 6-8 hours (depending on the size of your cut). Once it’s cooked, cut the skin off and shred the meat. You can serve it immediately or let the pork marinate overnight so it soaks up more flavor. 11. Pork Loin  Pork loin is a rich, flavorful cut of meat that comes from any part of the loin section. It’s larger and juicier than pork tenderloin, making it ideal for roasting, grilling, or braising.  For a quick, tasty meal, you can cut your pork loin into steaks and fry them in butter or an oil of your choice for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can prepare pork schnitzels with just a couple of extra steps. 12. Pork Belly “Candied” Pork belly is a popular restaurant dish for a reason. When cooked to perfection, this juicy, tender cut of meat will melt in your mouth. You can see Blaine’s take on Alton Brown’s Seared Pork Belly here. What Will You Go For? If you’re wondering which of the different cuts of pork is best for your needs, the answer is all of them! It all depends on what you’re making.  Whatever you fancy, you’ll taste the superior quality of pork products from our regenerative-focused family farm. Choose from a variety of sugar-free, heritage, pasture-raised pork cuts, delivered to your door. Footnotes1. https://practicalfarmers.org/research/fatty-acid-comparisons-of-grain-and-forage-fed-pork/

How to Cook Pork Sausages: Top 3 Methods

Whether served in a bun, mixed with rich tomato penne, or fried in a pan with eggs and cheese, protein-rich pork sausages are a versatile, delectable choice for a flavor-packed breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Not only are pork sausages rich, meaty, and delicious, but they can also make for a nutritious meal if you buy the right type. Some sausages include added sugar and are high in sodium and additives, which don’t bode well for a healthy diet.  However, if you choose pasture-raised, heritage pork sausages, you’ll get high-quality meat free of hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. This makes for a healthier, ethical choice and better taste. Not to “humble brag,” but we’re kind of known for our sugar-free breakfast sausage, so we feel really good about putting together this article. 🙂 But, for those of you who prefer to make your own sausage, our ground pork is perfect! Here, we’ll discuss the top three ways to cook sugar-free, heritage pork sausages perfectly. Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Servings: 6-8 What You'll Need One of the appeals of cooking pork sausages is how quick and easy the process is. Because the meat is so naturally flavourful, all you’ll need is a tablespoon of oil, and you’re ready to go:  1 tbsp oil (Avocado or Extra Virgin Olive) 1 lb. Sugar-Free Pork Sausage All our pastured pork sausage is made from the highest-quality meat raised on our regenerative family farm or within our trusted partner farm network. With the cooking methods below, enjoy a variety of flavors, including kielbasa, Italian, bratwurst, and breakfast patties. Instructions Now, it’s time to explore our three favorite methods for cooking pork sausages: on the stove, in the oven, and on the grill. Cooking on the Stovetop This is the classic way to cook pork sausages–and it’s quick and easy.  Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place four sausages in the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties reaches 160°F.  Once cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and let stand for five minutes.  Repeat the process until all sausages are done.  Baking in the Oven If you’re looking for an oil-free or low-effort cooking method, baking your pork sausages is the way to go.  Preheat oven to 375°F. While it warms, line a baking tray with non-stick parchment paper and place the sausages or patties on it. Put the tray in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until sausages or patties reach 160°F. Halfway through baking time, flip so they’re nicely browned all over.  For extra crispy results, cook sausages in a skillet on high heat for two minutes after baking.  Option: You can also use a cast iron skillet as an alternative to a baking sheet. Cooking on the Grill In the mood for a barbecue? Pork sausage links also cook wonderfully on the grill. Here’s what to do:  Preheat grill to medium-high heat and gently oil grates. Place sausages on grill, cooking for roughly 5 minutes on each side or until the middle of the sausages reach 160°F.  Remove sausages from the grill and let stand for five minutes.  Why Sugar-Free Pork Sausage? If you’re watching your carb intake, sugar-free is a given. But even if you don’t mind a touch of added sugar to your diet, it's a good idea to be mindful of the sugar content in products like bacon and sausages. Added sugar in pork products indicates they’re highly processed, and highly processed foods have been linked to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. To ensure you choose a healthy and tasty option, look for nutrition labels that are free of sugar and contain only a handful of ingredients: pork, water, and natural herbs and spices. All our pork product labels look like this because they’re all sugar-free! Side Dishes to Pair with Pork Sausage Pork sausages make for a hearty, delicious meal any time of the day. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them for a mouth-wateringly tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner:  Breakfast Gooey egg, sausage, and cheese breakfast sandwich Colorful fried sausage, veggie, and potato hash  Old-fashioned sausages, biscuits and gravy  Lunch Sauteed peppers, sausage, and onions laced with red pesto  Grilled sausages with creamy coleslaw and a dressed summer salad  Spiced, baked eggplant stuffed with herbs and sauteed sausage  Dinner  Sweet, zingy tomato and sausage penne pasta  Grilled sausages served with baked sweet potato wedges and roasted vegetables  Crumbled spicy sausage and caramelized onion pizza  Expert Tips & Tricks Before we dive into the cooking instructions, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind to get the perfect sausages every time:  Before cooking your breakfast sausage patties, gently press your thumb down into the center of each one. This will help the sausage to retain its circular shape during cooking.  When it comes to sausages, slow and steady wins the race. That means cooking them on low to medium heat. Otherwise, you risk a burned outside and undercooked inside.  While cooking as many patties or links as you can in a skillet might be tempting, it’s better to cook them in manageable batches. If you don’t, you may accidentally steam the sausages instead of browning them, and lose out on the crispy exterior. Once your sausages are cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will make every bite more juicy and tender.  For the perfect pork sausage, a meat thermometer is your best friend! You’ll want to ensure the sausage's innermost part reaches 160°F–that’s how you’ll know it’s ready.  Recipe FAQs Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan? How you cook your pork sausages depends on your preferences. The oven, skillet, and grill are all great options. The oven is the best option if you prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking, but we'd recommend the pan if you enjoy sizzling your sausages to perfection.  What’s the difference between Italian sausage and breakfast sausage?  Seven Sons’ Italian and breakfast sausages are both beautifully seasoned and sugar-free. The major difference between the two is our selection of herbs and spices in each. While the breakfast sausage is milder and lighter in flavor, with hints of sage and rosemary, the Italian sausage has a lightly spiced flavor thanks to the addition of paprika.  How should sausages be cooked? Pork sausages are versatile and delicious. For best results, you can cook them in several ways, including in the oven, on a skillet, or on a grill.  Can you pan-fry pork sausages? Absolutely! Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat to pan-fry pork sausages. Next, cook your sausage patties for five minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties has reached 160°F. Don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking, so they’re extra juicy and tender.  Should I add any seasonings to the sausage patties? Seven Son’s breakfast and Italian pork sausages are already perfectly seasoned with a delicate blend of herbs and spices, meaning all you need to do is cook them!  Can I store leftover cooked pork sausage? Yes, it’s easy to store leftover pork sausage. First, let the meat cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days.  Ready to Cook?  Try Seven Sons’ delicious, sugar-free pork sausage range today. As always, we’d love to know what you think! So, let us know if you tried our recipes and how it turned out!