Alton Brown’s City Ham is a tantalizing recipe straight from the archives of Food TV’s “Good Eats,” promising a symphony of flavors that will elevate any occasion. Picture this: a succulent ham, meticulously prepared and infused with the rich, smoky essence of bourbon, balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar and the tang of mustard, all coming together in a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to leave your guests begging for more. 🍖🥃
This recipe, born from a desire to make the most of a city ham, transforms this humble cut of meat into a star attraction fit for any festive table, be it Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any gathering where good food and good company come together. A city ham, as Alton Brown explains, is a ham that’s been brined and packaged, ready for cooking or serving, making it a convenient choice for busy cooks who still want to deliver on flavor and quality.
Let’s dive into the culinary journey that is Alton Brown’s City Ham:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 5 hours | 5 hours 30 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 7-8 pounds city ham
- 1/4 cup brown mustard
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 cup bourbon
- 2 cups crushed cookies (for coating)
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.
- Remove the ham from its packaging and give it a thorough rinse, ensuring it’s clean and ready for the next steps.
-
Scoring the Ham:
- Place the ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan.
- Using a small paring knife or a clean utility knife, score the ham in a spiral pattern, rotating the ham after each cut to create a diamond pattern all over.
- The aim here is not precision but rather to allow flavors to penetrate and the glaze to adhere beautifully.
-
Low and Slow Cooking:
- Tent the ham with heavy-duty foil and insert a thermometer.
- Cook in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees F, ensuring juicy, tender meat.
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Glazing the Ham:
- Remove the foil and gently pull away any diamonds of skin and excess fat that may have loosened during cooking.
- Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- Pat the ham dry with paper towels to create the perfect canvas for our flavor-packed glaze.
- Brush on a generous coat of brown mustard, ensuring every inch is covered.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mustard, packing it loosely to create a sweet, caramelized crust.
- Lightly spritz the surface with bourbon, adding a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing.
- Finally, liberally coat the ham with crushed cookies, allowing them to adhere to the sticky glaze for a delightful crunch.
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Final Cooking:
- Insert the thermometer into the ham, avoiding any existing holes, and return it to the oven, uncovered.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F, approximately 1 hour longer.
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Rest and Serve:
- Once perfectly cooked, remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
- This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
Now, gather your loved ones around the table as you unveil this masterpiece of a ham. With each slice, you’ll witness the perfect balance of savory and sweet, the result of careful preparation and a touch of culinary magic. Alton Brown’s City Ham isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of indulging. Enjoy every moment and savor the flavors of this delicious creation! 🎉🍽️
