HAM WITH PORT-RAISIN SAUCE

Ham With Port-Raisin Sauce image

This is a crock pot comfort food recipe for ham. The ham's braising liquid is transformed into a garnet sauce studded with raisins. Choose tawny or vintage port, as they are the driest types and make the best sauce. Try to get a "Cure 81" ham, which has been cured by a method that results in a more flavorful, less salty ham. If you can't use a Cure 81 ham, blanch the ham before cooking it: Place the ham in a large saucepan of cold water. Over low heat, slowly bring the water just to the simmering point. Drain the ham immediately, and proceed with the recipe.Serve with scalloped potatoes and a green vegetable. Serve with scalloped potatoes and a green vegetable. Recipe adapted from one by Rick Rogers.

Provided by GREG IN SAN DIEGO

Categories Ham

Time 2h15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 -3 lbs boneless smoked ham, preferably "Cure 81-inch
2 cups tawny port or 2 cups vintage port wine
1/3 cup condensed beef broth
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup dark raisin
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water

Steps:

Pierce the ham all over with the tip of a sharp knife.
In a 3 and 1/2 quart slow cooker, combine the port, broth and water.
Add the ham, cover and slow-cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the ham reads at least 165 degrees F, 4 to 5 hours on low (200 degrees) or 2 to 3 hours on high (300 degrees). Turn the ham once during the cooking period for even distribution of flavor.
Transfer the ham to a platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Pour the cooking liquid into a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the liquid has reduced to 2 cups, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the raisins, brown sugar and vinegar.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and cook until just thickened.
Pour the sauce into a sauce boat.
Slice the ham and serve with the sauce passed on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 757.5, Fat 26.5, SaturatedFat 8.8, Cholesterol 156.2, Sodium 4045.8, Carbohydrate 45.8, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 29.9, Protein 54.2