Update Your Easter Ham

With Easter right around the corner, families are looking for affordable choices for their holiday meal. According to a survey conducted by the National Pork Board, about 70 percent of Americans serve ham for their holiday dinner. This treasured holiday centerpiece is an affordable choice for the Easter table that won't break the bank. While ham is traditional and affordable, it's also versatile. It's simple to contemporize classic ham, adding a little zing with on-trend recipes filled with spicy, fruity ingredients.

"While ham is delicious on its own, you can easily pair it with so many flavors," says Pamela Johnson, director of consumer communications for the National Pork Board. "The tang or sweetness of glazes, sauces and chutneys is a sure-fire way to bring flair to your holiday feast." 

According to Mintel's trend research, "exotic" flavors and fruits are making a big impact in 2009. This Easter, try a delicious Baked Ham with Sweet 'n' Sour Plum Sauce. This savory dish blends the Asian spices with sweet honey and brown sugar. A glaze made with flavorful ingredients such as purple plums results in an incredibly appetizing slice-of-ham heaven.

When the feast is over, this recipe will leave you with plenty of leftover ham, perfect for including in the next day's breakfast, lunch or dinner - yet another reason this recipe is guaranteed to make your Easter meal a success! Visit TheOtherWhiteMeat.com for more than 100 additional ham recipes, videos and free downloadable brochures.

Baked Ham with Sweet 'n' Sour Plum Sauce Recipe

6  pound fully-cooked boneless ham
1  15-ounce can purple plums packed in heavy syrup, drained, pitted and pureed
1  cup undrained crushed pineapple packed in pineapple juice
1/4  cup sliced green onions
1/4  cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
2  tablespoons honey
1  tablespoon cornstarch
1  teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 large clove garlic, minced (1/2 teaspoon)
1/8  teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

Score ham by making diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern. Place ham on rack in shallow roasting pan. Bake in preheated oven at 325 degrees F. for 1 hour, 30 minutes to 1 hour, 45 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 140 degrees F.

Meanwhile combine remaining ingredients in medium saucepan. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.

Brush ham with sauce every 15 minutes during last 30 minutes of baking.

Remove to serving platter and tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes. Brush with sauce. Carve and serve with remaining sauce.

If desired, garnish with green onion flowers, wedges of fresh plums and unpeeled pineapple.

Makes about 24 servings

Give your ham an Asian twist. Serve with peas, cucumbers or your family's favorite side dishes.

Nutrition Information per Serving: 
 
Calories: 202   Fat: 6g   Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg Sodium: 1396mg Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 6g  Fiber: 0g
 
Article and Photos courtesy of Family Features