HAM AND EGG FRIED RICE

Steps:

• Cut ham into 1/4-inch cubes.
• About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, put a large serving bowl in a low oven to warm.
• Have all the ingredients plus a medium-size bowl to hold the eggs within easy reach of the stovetop.
• Heat a wok or a small, heavy skillet or omelet pan over high heat until hot enough to evaporate a bead of water on contact.
• Add 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, swirl to coat the pan, then reduce the heat to moderate.
• When the oil is hot enough to puff one drop of the beaten egg on contact, add the eggs.
• If the oil is properly hot, they will swell and puff immediately.
• Give the mixture 3 to 4 seconds to set on the bottom, then gently push the cooked egg to the far side of the pan with a spatula, allowing the uncooked portion to flow underneath and puff on contact with the hot pan.
• Continue pushing the cooked portion aside as soon as the bottom sets.
• When there is no more freely running eggs, scrape the eggs promptly into a bowl and break into small bits.
• If you have cooked them correctly, they will be soft, a bit runny, and golden as opposed to brown.
• Wipe the wok clean of any egg bits, then return it or a large heavy skillet to high heat, and heat until hot enough to evaporate a bead of water on contact.
• Add 2 tablespoons oil and swirl to coat the pan.
• When the oil is hot enough to sizzle a grain of rice on contact, add the rice and toss briskly to coat and separate each grain and heat the mixture through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Lower the heat immediately if the rice starts to scorch.
• If the rice is sticking, push it to one side and dribble in another 1-1 1/2 teaspoons oil from the side of the pan.
• When hot, sprinkle the salt into the pan.
• Toss to combine, then add the ham and peas.
• Toss to mix and heat the mixture through, about 30 seconds, then return the eggs to the pan and stir gently several times to combine.
• Add the scallions, and toss another 5 to 20 seconds until the eggs are hot.
• Serve immediately for peak flavor.
• If the menu demands do-ahead cooking, fried rice can be kept warm for up to an hour, tightly covered, in either a steamer set over low heat or in a low oven.