Scandinavian Christmas Ham With Prunes Recipes

Steps:

• Combine 1 cup salt, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon of saltpeter. Massage this mixture all over the ham, coating the entire surface well.
• Place the ham in a food-safe container large enough to hold it, cover, and place in a very cool place for 3 days turning occasionally. (In the old days, a wooden or stone container would be used; I use a large bucket lined with an extra large zip top bag.).
• On the third day, bring the water to a boil, add the salt, sugar and saltpeter. Once the salt has dissolved, remove from the heat and cool.
• Pour the brine over the ham- it should be completely covered.
• ***If you don't have enough to cover, make more brine, using 1/2 cup salt and 1 tablespoon sugar for each quart of water. The amount you need will vary depending on the size of the ham and the size of the container you use.
• Cover the container, put it in a cool place, and leave for 10 days.
• After it has sat for 10 days, remove from the brine, and wipe well.
• Place fat side up in a pot of boiling water, covering the ham completely.
• Bring the water back to a boil, add the bay leaves, peppercorns and allspice berries, and cover.
• Simmer for 3 hours, or until tender.
• Remove from the cooking pot and take off the skin. Using a cloth, wipe off all of the loose fat. Place back in the water, and let cool.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Combine the egg white, mustard powder and sugar.
• Remove the ham from the water, pat dry, and coat with the egg white mixture.
• Sprinkle with the bread crumbs, patting them to ensure they stick to the egg coating.
• Place in the oven, and let bake until the bread crumbs are golden brown.
• Let cool completely, and slice to serve.

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 325F / 160°C.
• Cut a deep pocket in the cavity of the ham.
• Combine prunes, onion, apple and applesauce.
• Stuff ham with apple mixture, overlap and secure ends.
• Score the fat and place fat side up in a shallow roasting pan.
• Pour consomme over the ham.
• Roast for 30 - 35mins per pound, basting often.
• When cooked transfer to a dish and keep warm, retain the juices.
• Remove the fat from the pan juices and discard.
• Bring the juices to a boil on the hob and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add redcurrant jelly, orange juice, port and salt and simmer for 10 -15 minutes.
• Serve the gravy with the ham.

Steps:

• To prepare the ham: Place the meat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a cross-hatch pattern, cutting all the way through to the meat.
• Put the ham in a large roasting pan. Spread the honey over the ham. Combine the thyme, bay leaves, and juniper in a small bowl. Season the mixture with salt, and then rub it into the ham. Pour the beer over the ham. Cover the pan and marinate the ham in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 320 degrees F.
• To prepare the puree: After the ham has marinated, peel and dice all of the fruit and vegetables. Place the vegetables in the roasting pan around the ham.
• To cook the ham: Roast the ham and vegetables, basting the meat frequently with the marinade and adding more beer and honey if the pan seems dry. Cook the vegetables until they are very tender, about 1 hour. Take the vegetables from the roasting pan and put them in a large saucepan. Set the vegetables aside until the ham is cooked. Return the meat to the oven and continue roasting and basting until the meat is tender, about 3 more hours. Take the ham out of the oven, cover it and set it aside to rest for 1 hour.
• To finish the puree: Gently warm the vegetables over medium heat. Mash them with the butter, and then season with salt and pepper. Keep the puree warm until ready to serve.
• Glaze the ham if desired (see Cook's Note below), and then slice it. Serve the ham with the puree, Horseradish Cream and Apple and Pear Compote, accompanied by grilled toast topped with mushrooms, if desired.
• In a bowl, combine all the ingredients, adding more or less of each, to taste. Mix well and then chill in the refrigerator.
• Peel and core the apples and pears. Roughly chop the fruit. Place the fruit in a medium saucepan. Add about 1 inch of water. Cover the pan and simmer the fruit over low heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Add honey, to taste. Serve the compote warm or at room temperature.