Smithfield Ham Baked with Madeira

A Taste of History: My Smithfield Ham with Madeira

As a busy professional woman, time is my most precious commodity. Weekends are often packed with errands, social events, and trying to squeeze in a bit of "me time." So when it comes to cooking, I need something that's both delicious and relatively effortless. This Smithfield Ham Baked with Madeira recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's a dish steeped in history, offering a sophisticated taste that belies its surprisingly simple preparation.

The idea of preparing a ham might seem daunting, conjuring images of hours spent in the kitchen. But this recipe is different. The long curing and smoking process is already done for you – thanks to the magic of purchasing a quality Smithfield ham. These hams, with their legendary reputation dating back to colonial times, are a testament to the time-honored art of preserving and enhancing the flavor of pork. The history alone adds a certain charm to the culinary experience. I often find myself reflecting on the colonial era as I prepare the ham, imagining the cooks in grand houses painstakingly crafting their own versions of this dish.

The addition of Madeira, a fortified wine that was once a favorite of George Washington himself, elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. It adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the ham's savory flavor. The subtle notes of nutmeg complement the Madeira perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. It's a wonderful combination that speaks to the sophistication and elegance of the era in which it originated. I often pair this ham with a simple side of roasted vegetables – asparagus or Brussels sprouts are ideal – to round out the meal and showcase the ham's richness.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste, but also in its versatility. It's perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch, an impressive dinner party, or even a holiday gathering. The preparation time is minimal, and the results are spectacular. The ham, glistening with the Madeira glaze, is a showstopper on any table. The ease of preparation allows me to spend more time enjoying my company rather than being chained to the stove. This is the essence of efficient and elegant entertaining.

Beyond the convenience, making this ham has become a ritual for me, a way to connect with the history and tradition of food. The process, though simple, feels almost ceremonial. It's a moment of calm amidst the chaos of a busy life, a pause to appreciate the simple pleasures of good food and good company. It’s a comforting tradition, a connection to the past, and a delicious meal all wrapped up in one. And that, to me, is truly priceless.

This Smithfield Ham with Madeira isn't just a recipe; it's a journey through time, a testament to culinary history, and a celebration of simple, yet sophisticated, flavors. It's a dish I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking to impress their guests (or themselves) without spending hours in the kitchen. I promise, it's an experience you won't forget.

Serving Suggestions: Consider serving this elegant ham with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a simple green salad. The richness of the ham pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a sparkling cider.

Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Trim rind and excess fat from ham, leaving 1/4-inch-thick layer of fat.
• Place ham on roasting rack set in heavy large roasting pan.
• Spread butter over ham.
• Sprinkle nutmeg over ham.
• Pour Madeira into pan.
• Bake ham until well glazed and dark brown, basting every 10 minutes with pan juices, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Let ham stand at least 20 minutes.
• Thinly slice ham, beginning at shank end and proceeding at an angle toward the thicker part of the ham.
• Serve ham hot or at room temperature.