Best Alton Brown City Ham Recipes

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ALTON BROWN'S CITY HAM



Alton Brown's City Ham image

From Food TV's "Good Eats". Cook's note: A city ham is basically any brined ham that is packed in a plastic bag, held in a refrigerated case and marked "ready to cook", "partially cooked" or "ready to serve". Better city hams are also labeled "ham in natural juices". Posted in response to a request.

Provided by SharleneW

Categories     Ham

Time 5h30m

Yield 10-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

7 -8 lbs city-style brined ham, hock end
1/4 cup brown mustard
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 ounce Bourbon (poured into a spritz bottle)
2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 250 degrees F.
  • Remove ham from bag, rinse and drain thoroughly.
  • Place ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan.
  • Using a small paring knife or clean utility knife set to the smallest blade setting, score the ham from bottom to top, spiraling clockwise as you cut.
  • (If you are using a paring knife, be careful to only cut through the skin and first few layers of fat).
  • Rotate the ham after each cut so that the scores are no more than 2-inches across.
  • Once you have made it all the way around, move the knife to the other hand and repeat, spiraling counter clockwise.
  • The aim is to create a diamond pattern all over the ham.
  • (Don't worry too much about precision here.) Tent the ham with heave duty foil, insert a thermometer, and cook for 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature at the deepest part of the meat registers 130 degrees F.
  • Remove and use tongs to pull away the diamonds of skin and any sheets of fat that come off with them.
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Dab dry with paper towels, then brush on a liberal coat of mustard, using either a basting brush or a clean point brush (clean--as in never-touched paint).
  • Sprinkle on brown sugar, packing loosely as you go until the ham is coated.
  • Spritz this layer lightly with bourbon, then loosely pack on as much of the crushed cookies as you can. NOTE: A small empty spray bottle from the drug store is perfect.
  • Insert the thermometer (don't use the old hole) and return to the oven (uncovered).
  • Cook until interior temperature reaches 140 degrees F, approximately 1 hour.
  • Let the roast rest for 1/2 hour before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 643, Fat 18.2, SaturatedFat 6.1, Cholesterol 165.4, Sodium 4834.4, Carbohydrate 43.3, Sugar 42.7, Protein 71

ALTON BROWN CITY HAM



ALTON BROWN CITY HAM image

Categories     Cocktail Party     Dinner     Ham

Yield 20 people

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients
1 city style (brined) ham, hock end*
1/4 cup brown mustard
2 cups dark brown sugar
1-ounce bourbon (poured into a spritz bottle)
2 cups crushed ginger snap cookies

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 250 degrees F. Remove ham from bag, rinse and drain thoroughly. Place ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan. Using a small paring knife or clean utility knife set to the smallest blade setting, score the ham from bottom to top, spiraling clockwise as you cut. (If you're using a paring knife, be careful to only cut through the skin and first few layers of fat). Rotate the ham after each cut so that the scores are no more than 2-inches across. Once you've made it all the way around, move the knife to the other hand and repeat, spiraling counter clockwise. The aim is to create a diamond pattern all over the ham. (Don't worry too much about precision here.) Tent the ham with heavy duty foil, insert a thermometer, and cook for 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature at the deepest part of the meat registers 130 degrees F. Remove and use tongs to pull away the diamonds of skin and any sheets of fat that come off with them. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Dab dry with paper towels, then brush on a liberal coat of mustard, using either a basting brush or a clean paint brush (clean as in never-touched paint). Sprinkle on brown sugar, packing loosely as you go until the ham is coated. Spritz this layer lightly with bourbon, then loosely pack on as much of the crushed cookies as you can. For pre-cooked ham, heat for 12 minutes per lb.

Alton Brown is a popular chef, author, and television personality known for his unique, science-based approach to cooking. He has developed numerous recipes, including ones for cities ham dishes. Alton Brown city ham recipes feature his trademark combination of culinary expertise and scientific knowledge.

What is City Ham?

City ham is a type of ham that is cured and smoked using a dry method. This type of ham is often found pre-cooked and does not require further cooking, although it can be heated if desired. City ham is different from country ham, which is cured and smoked using a wet method and must be cooked before eating. Because city ham is already cooked, it is a convenient and time-saving option for many home cooks.

The Alton Brown Approach to City Ham

When developing recipes for city ham, Alton Brown takes into account the unique qualities of this type of ham. One of the challenges of working with pre-cooked ham is that it can become dry if it is overcooked. To prevent this, Alton Brown often uses glazes and other techniques to add moisture and flavor to the ham.
Glazes
Glazes are a popular way to add flavor to city ham. Alton Brown's glazes often include ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients are mixed together and then brushed onto the ham during the final stages of cooking. The glaze caramelizes and creates a sweet, tangy crust on the ham.
Other Techniques
Alton Brown also uses other techniques to enhance the flavor of city ham. For example, he often scores the surface of the ham before applying the glaze. This allows the glaze to seep into the ham and create a more intense flavor. Alton Brown may also use a pineapple or citrus juice marinade to add additional moisture to the ham.

Alton Brown's Favorite City Ham Recipes

Alton Brown has developed numerous city ham recipes over the years. Here are a few of his favorites:
City Ham with Peach Bourbon Glaze
This recipe features a glaze made from fresh peaches, bourbon, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. The glaze is brushed onto the ham during the final stage of cooking and creates a sweet, smoky flavor.
Ham and Cheese Grits
This recipe pairs sliced city ham with creamy, cheesy grits for a comforting and satisfying meal. The grits are cooked with milk, cheese, and butter for added flavor and richness.
City Ham and Corn Chowder
This recipe combines city ham with creamy corn chowder for a hearty and flavorful dish. The chowder is made with fresh corn, potatoes, carrots, and onions and is seasoned with garlic, thyme, and other herbs.

Conclusion

Alton Brown city ham recipes are a delicious and convenient option for home cooks. By using glazes and other techniques, Alton Brown is able to enhance the flavor and texture of pre-cooked city ham. Whether you're looking for a main course or a side dish, Alton Brown's city ham recipes are sure to please.
When it comes to making city ham recipes, Alton Brown is a household name among food enthusiasts. Alton Brown is a renowned chef, author, and television personality who has been in the culinary industry for more than two decades. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in cooking, and his city ham recipes are some of the best you'll ever come across.

Tips for Making Alton Brown City Ham Recipes

If you want to try out Alton Brown city ham recipes, here are some tips that will help you make the most of your experience:
1. Choose the Right Ham
When it comes to making city ham recipes, choosing the right ham is crucial. If possible, go for a fresh ham that hasn't been cooked or smoked. This will give you more control over the flavor and texture of the ham.
2. Brine the Ham
Alton Brown's city ham recipes usually call for brining the ham. Brining is a process of soaking the ham in a saltwater solution to infuse it with flavor and moisture. This helps to make the ham juicier and more flavorful.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection, it's essential to use a meat thermometer. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the ham and ensure that it reaches the recommended temperature of 140°F.
4. Glaze the Ham
Alton Brown's city ham recipes typically call for glazing the ham. A glaze helps to enhance the flavor of the ham and gives it a beautiful glossy appearance. You can use a variety of ingredients to make a glaze, including honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, and mustard.
5. Let the Ham Rest
After cooking the ham, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham juicier and more flavorful.
6. Serve with the Right Accompaniments
To complement the flavors of the ham, it's essential to serve it with the right accompaniments. Alton Brown's city ham recipes pair well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and glazed carrots.
7. Experiment with Different Flavors
Alton Brown's city ham recipes are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different flavors by adding herbs, spices, and other seasonings to the brine and glaze.

Conclusion

Alton Brown's city ham recipes are a fantastic way to impress your guests and showcase your culinary skills. By following the tips outlined above, you'll be able to make the most of your experience and create a delicious and memorable dish that everyone will love. Remember to choose the right ham, brine it, use a meat thermometer, glaze it, let it rest, and serve it with the right accompaniments. And don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors to create a unique and personalized dish.

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