Handling Ham For Spring Meals #HormelFamily

Spring is definitely in the air and you can notice it in the recent warm weather days throughout the Tri-state Metropolitan area. There is nothing like a home-cooked meal to keep everyone happy as you prepare to gather together all of your family and friends for your large group gatherings to celebrate special events during the spring.

Ham is an extremely versatile and delicious protein that can be added to the menu for any special occasion. In order to help you plan a successful menu which includes ham for one of your next events, Curemaster Brian Hendrickson has some important tips for adding Hormel® Cure 81® ham to your meal:

Know your Numbers: When purchasing ham for a large crowd, such as a graduation dinner, count the number of guests scheduled to attend. It’s a good idea to get about a pound of ham for every 3-4 people. Don’t forget to estimate a little extra for unexpected guests, and everyone’s favorite- leftovers!
As Simple as Heat & Serve: Hams are typically sold as a fully cooked product, so when preparing, all you need to do is heat it until the ham is hot throughout. . A good gauge is when the ham reaches about 140-145 degrees. It’s a simple protein solution when you are pressed for time.
A Ham for Every Occasion: In recent years, various cuts and flavors of ham have been introduced, making it a great option for entertaining or a weeknight family dinner. Hormel® Cure 81® ham items are available pre-diced or pre-cubed for an easy addition to your morning omelet, or in ham steaks that are great to throw on the grill.

You can also prepare for your special event by viewing the following video on how to heat and glaze a bone-in ham:

Let’s discuss: What are some recipes that you prepare every spring for your gatherings with family and friends?

Disclosure: In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. While Hormel Foods provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in Tough Cookie Mommy are my own.