As a passionate home cook who loves experimenting with new recipes, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality ingredients that can take a dish to the next level. And when it comes to ham, few compare to the rich, nuanced flavor of a Fieldstone ham. Fieldstone ham has a robust, nutty flavor from the acorns and natural foods the hogs are fed. With just a few simple steps, you can unlock the delicious potential of Fieldstone ham and cook it to smoky, fork-tender perfection right in your own kitchen.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to bake, grill, or slow cook a Fieldstone ham like a pro. You’ll learn step-by-step instructions for preparing, seasoning, glazing, and cooking this specialty ham along with helpful storage tips. Let’s dig in!
Selecting the Perfect Fieldstone Ham
Fieldstone ham is available bone-in or boneless as a half or whole ham. Keep these tips in mind when choosing one
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Estimate 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound of bone-in ham per person, or 1⁄4 to 1/3 pound of boneless
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Choose based on the number of guests you plan to serve. A whole bone-in ham typically serves 10-14
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Opt for a Fieldstone ham between 8-12 pounds for the best proportion of meat to bone.
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Look for good marbling throughout the ham for flavor and moisture.
Preparing Fieldstone Ham for Cooking
Proper prep is key to delicious results. Follow these steps before cooking your Fieldstone ham:
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Remove any packaging and discard the plastic wrap. Rinse if needed.
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Place the ham on a clean cutting board, fat side up. Trim off any dried edges or undesirable fat.
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Score the fat in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the glaze absorb better.
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Rub the ham all over with salt, pepper, and spices like cinnamon or cloves.
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For a decorative touch, stud whole cloves into the ham at the diamond intersections.
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Liberally apply your favorite glaze. Brown sugar, honey, and jams make excellent bases.
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For uncooked hams, soak in water 24 hours before cooking to reduce saltiness.
Baking Tips for Juicy Oven-Roasted Ham
For time-honored ham with a crispy, spiced exterior, baking is the way to go. Follow these oven roasting tips:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature prevents drying out.
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Place ham fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup liquid like fruit juice or ginger ale to the bottom.
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Loosely cover ham with foil, leaving openings for some air circulation.
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Cook approximately 15-20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
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Brush ham with glaze periodically during baking for flavor and gloss.
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Remove foil and increase heat to 400°F for the last 15 minutes for crispy, caramelized exterior.
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Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving for juicier results.
Mastering Slow Cooked Crockpot Ham
For fuss-free, fall-off-the-bone tender ham, the slow cooker is your friend. Here’s how to nail crockpot ham:
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Place ham in crockpot and add 1 cup ginger ale, fruit juice or broth for moisture.
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Cook on LOW setting for 8-10 hours until ham is very tender.
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During last hour of cooking, brush generously with your favorite glaze.
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Once cooked through, remove ham from crockpot and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Grilling Juicy Fieldstone Ham to Perfection
Grilling imparts delicious smoky undertones. Follow these tips for grilled ham success:
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Prepare ham with dry rub or glaze. Bring to room temperature before grilling.
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Preheat grill to medium heat. Use indirect heat if possible.
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Place ham over unlit side of grill, fat side up. Grill approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
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Flip ham and rotate periodically to prevent burning. Target internal temp of 140°F.
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In the last 30 minutes, brush with glaze and move over direct heat to caramelize.
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Transfer to a platter and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into juicy ham.
Storing and Serving Your Fieldstone Ham
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Store fully cooked hams for 3-4 days refrigerated, 6 months frozen.
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For uncooked hams, store 6 months at room temp or up to 1 year refrigerated.
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Carve thin slices across the grain for tender, fork-friendly portions.
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Serve with classic fixings like biscuits, mashed potatoes, pineapple slices and Dijon mustard.
With the right prep and cooking technique, you can unlock the one-of-a-kind woodsy richness of Fieldstone ham. I hope these tips help you bake, grill, or slow cook this specialty ham like a seasoned pro. Now grab the biscuits and let’s dig in!
What’s your favorite way to cook and serve Fieldstone or other premium hams? Share your delicious recipes and serving ideas!
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FAQ
How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?
How long to cook a 10 lb fully cooked ham?
Do you cover ham with foil when baking?
What is the best cooking method for ham?
How do you cook a fieldstone smoked ham?
Here’s how to cook your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham to perfection: 1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and place the ham in a deep roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham with a knife to create a crisscross pattern, and pour water around the ham to create a 1-inch deep pool. 2.
How to cook fieldstone hickory smoked ham?
To prepare your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham for cooking, the first step is to remove it from its packaging and give it a good wash under warm, running water. Use your hands or a clean brush to scrub the skin and remove any excess debris. Next, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you store a fieldstone smoked ham?
Once your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham is fully cooked, it’s time to serve and store it properly. First, allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Can fieldstone smoked ham be frozen?
Allow your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to two months.
