Aretha Franklin’s Queen of Soul Ham

👑🍖 Aretha Franklin’s Queen of Soul Ham 🎤

Aretha Franklin, the legendary Queen of Soul, was not only famous for her incredible vocal talents but also for her love of delicious food. One of her signature dishes, known as the “Queen of Soul Ham,” is a mouthwatering creation. Let’s dive into the history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to prepare this regal dish.

History:
The Queen of Soul Ham is not just any ordinary ham; it’s a dish fit for musical royalty. Aretha Franklin’s love for this dish was well-known among her fans. The exact origin of this ham is not widely documented, but it’s likely a personal recipe that she enjoyed and shared with friends and family.

Components:

• Ham: The central component, usually a bone-in ham, is the star of the dish. It’s often a spiral-cut ham for easy serving.
• Glaze: A sweet and savory glaze, which typically includes ingredients like brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices, is what makes this ham truly special.

Steps to Prepare Aretha Franklin’s Queen of Soul Ham:

1. Purchase the Ham: Start by acquiring a high-quality bone-in ham. A spiral-cut ham is recommended for even cooking.

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

3. Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of ground cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. This glaze will be the secret to the ham’s amazing flavor.

4. Glaze the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush it generously with the glaze. Make sure to get the glaze into the spiral cuts to infuse flavor throughout.

5. Bake the Ham: Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven. The cooking time depends on the ham’s size but generally ranges from 15 to 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

6. Caramelize the Glaze: In the final 15-20 minutes of cooking, uncover the ham and let it caramelize. The glaze should turn golden brown and slightly crispy.

7. Rest and Serve: Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a tender and juicy ham. Slice and serve with any remaining glaze.

Total Preparation Time:
The preparation time will depend on the size of the ham, but a typical Queen of Soul Ham might take around 2.5 to 4 hours, including both cooking and resting.

This delicious dish is a fitting tribute to the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. The sweet and savory glaze combined with the succulent ham creates a harmony of flavors that will have you singing praises just like she did on stage. Enjoy! 🎶🍽️

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a serving of Aretha Franklin’s Queen of Soul Ham:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, for a 3-ounce serving):

• Calories: 157 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 38mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 990mg

Health Information:

1. Protein: Ham is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Total Fat: While ham is relatively high in fat, it’s also a source of healthy fats. However, moderation is key, as excessive consumption of saturated fats may contribute to heart disease.

3. Cholesterol: Ham can be high in cholesterol, which may not be suitable for individuals with high cholesterol levels. It’s advisable to consume it in moderation.

4. Sodium: Ham can be quite high in sodium, which is associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. Be mindful of your salt intake and consider low-sodium alternatives or reducing the glaze’s salt content.

5. Sugar: The glaze used in this recipe adds sugar to the dish, contributing to its sweetness. While sugar can enhance flavor, it should be consumed in moderation, especially for those watching their sugar intake.

6. Calories: The calorie content per serving is relatively moderate, making it a reasonable option if you are mindful of your daily calorie intake.

Remember that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used, so it’s important to consider these factors when planning your meal. Additionally, it’s advisable to balance your diet with plenty of vegetables and other nutritious foods to ensure a well-rounded and healthy eating plan.