Thanksgiving 2010

This is our first Thanksgiving as a married couple and kinda a difficult one in terms of the menu feast...We all have our likes and dislikes for what should be on the table.  Turkey?  Wife no likey.  Tenderloin?  Too expensive.  Cranberry Sauce?  No tukey, no sauce.  Ham?  Hmm...pig = happy.  OK, I think I can make this work.  Honestly, putting on a turkey day feast is really a lot of work, especially just for 4 people.  All the siblings are out of town and friends are already gathering at their respective family tables.  This year, we decided let's go simple but pack lots of flavor.  Glazed ham is always a favorite and having a few friends along in the form of mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts (packed with flavor, mind you) is just what this simple, budget friendly holiday needs.  Especially since our cruddy snow storm left us with no power for 2 days and we had to basically empty the fridge of all the possible bacteria growing food we otherwised would of used today...  Still, I got a few tricks up my sleves for turning out a worthy family gathering.

For the Ham:
1 - 9 Lbs Ready to Cook Ham Shoulder or Butt, Bone in and No Glaze
1/2 Cup Chicken Broth or Stock
1/2 Cup Wild Turkey Bourbon or Your Favorite
1/4 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Molasses
1 Tbs Lemon Juice
Freshly Ground Pepper to Taste

For the Sides:
Simple Mashed Potatoes
Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Shallots

Start by Pre-heating your oven to 325 degrees.  Your average bone in ready to cook ham will take about 20 minutes per pound, but you can always refer to the manufacturers directions on the packaging.  If your ham isn't already scored, now is a good time to do so.  Just make 1/3" deep criss cross knife scores all over the outer skin and meat.  Season with ham with freshly ground pepper, but don't salt, the ham will already have enough salt content from the natural brine and smoking process.   Place on a roasting pan in the oven for about 3 hours.  Meanwhile, make the glaze by setting a small sauce pan over medium high heat.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Reduce to a syrup like consistency, about 10 minutes or so.  Slather the glaze all over the ham for the last 30 minutes of cooking time.  Remove the ham from the oven and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes before carving.  Serve along side my favorite sides and enjoy.  Happy Thanksgiving!