Spring has sprung and we have daffodils, tulips and hyacinths blooming. Soon Easter will be here. Some of us will be serving ham for family and friends. This ham recipe is from Marion Lowery of Meford, OR., who says it is the best she has ever made.
Cider-Baked Country Ham
1/2 bone-in fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
2 quarts apple cider or apple juice
1-1/2 tsp whole peppercorns
1 bay leaf
whole cloves
1 cup applesauce
1 Tbsp horseradish
2 tsp ground mustard
1) Place ham in dutch oven or large kettle. Add cider, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Add enough water just to cover; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour.
2) Drain, reserving 3 cups cooking liquid; discard peppercorns and bay leaf. Remove skin from ham, if desired. Score surface with shallow cuts, making diamond shapes. Insert whole cloves in center of each diamond. Combine applesauce, horseradish and mustard; rub over ham.
3) Place ham on rack in shallow roasting pan; pour reserved liquid into pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until meat thermometer reads 140 degrees. Remove from oven; cover with foil and let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Yield: 16-20 servings
Since today is Jewish Passover, here is a list of ceremonial passover foods. Boiled Carp with horseradish, Roast turkey, Mixed-friut tzimmes, Beet salad, Potato-flour sponge cake, tea or black coffee.
The following recipe for matzo rolls is from The Art of Jewish Cooking, printed in 1958.
Matzo Rolls (Passover)
3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup chicken broth or milk
1 cup matzo meal
1/3 cup cake meal
4 Tbsp melted chicken fat or butter
Beat together eggs and salt. Stir in broth (or milk) alternately with matzo and cake meal. Add melted fat or butter. Fill 12 greased muffin cups 2/3 full.
Bake in 350 degree oven 30 minutes or till browned.
This last thought from Steven Michael Schumaker.
Deep Within
Deep within an acorn
Is a graceful oak tree
Just waiting to be born,
For everyone to see,
Deep within an oyster
A rare pearl lies concealed,
Until someone finds it,
Its beauty then revealed.
Deep within every heart,
There is an empty place
That only God can fill
With his love and grace.
Please send your recipes or recipe requests to: The Vista, 5413 Peavine Road, Crossville, TN 38571 or email to: [email protected].
Until next time,
Ellie