Marianne Martinez
Cooking a Cure 81 ham in a crock pot is a simple and tasty way to prepare this classic meat. Cure 81 hams are fully cooked when purchased, so using a slow cooker allows you to gently heat the ham while infusing extra flavour. The result is a juicy, tender ham that makes an impressive centrepiece for your meal. This method also keeps the meat moist, infuses flavour, and frees up oven space.
How to cook Cure 81 Ham in a Crock Pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ham | Boneless, bone-in, whole, or spiral cut |
| Weight | 6 to 8 lbs |
| Cook time | 4-6 hours on LOW, 5-6 hours on HIGH |
| Temperature | 325º F |
| Glaze | Honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, dijon, balsamic vinegar |
| Additional ingredients | Water, non-stick foil |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Selecting the right ham
First, decide on the type of ham you want to use. Cure 81 hams come in two varieties: boneless and bone-in. If you choose a boneless ham, it will be easier to slice and serve, but a bone-in ham will provide a more intense flavour as the bone imparts flavour during cooking. Both options are readily available, so you can choose based on your personal preference or the availability of the ham.
Next, consider the size of the ham. Cure 81 hams come in different sizes, such as half hams or mini hams. Choose a size that best suits the number of people you plan to serve. A half ham is a great option for a larger gathering, while a mini ham is perfect for a smaller group or an intimate dinner.
When selecting your ham, pay attention to the quality and craftsmanship. Cure 81 hams are known for their premium quality, flavour, and tenderness. Look for the Curemaster's signature of approval on the packaging to ensure you're getting a ham that meets the highest standards. This signature is a guarantee of the ham's superior quality and flavour.
Finally, consider the cooking method you plan to use. Cure 81 hams are versatile and can be served cold, straight from the package, or heated up. If you're using a crockpot, choose a ham that fits comfortably in your pot with some additional space for water and glaze. Remember to remove the ham from its package and place it in the crockpot with the largest cut surface facing down.
By following these guidelines and selecting the right ham, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering and effortlessly delicious Cure 81 ham meal.
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Glazing the ham
Firstly, select your glaze. You can use honey, brown sugar, or a mixture of brown sugar, Dijon, balsamic vinegar, and pineapple juice. If you are using a glaze packet, mix the contents with 2 tablespoons of water and a teaspoon of water. If not, you can heat the honey or brown sugar with other ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Once your glaze is prepared, spoon the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Place the glazed ham back into the oven and heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is set.
The optimum serving temperature for ham is 135ºF-140ºF. Do not overcook the ham, as this will affect its tenderness.
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Crockpot vs. oven cooking
Cooking a Cure 81 ham in a crockpot or oven is a great way to bring out the bold pork flavor and make the meat tender and juicy. The key difference between the two cooking methods is the time it takes, with crockpots taking longer but offering the convenience of being able to cook while you are not at home.
To cook a Cure 81 ham in a crockpot, you would first grease the crockpot and add water. Then, place the ham inside, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. This slow-cooking method ensures the ham is tender and juicy.
To cook the ham in an oven, you would place the ham in a baking pan with the largest cut surface facing down. Add half a cup of water to the pan, cover it securely with non-stick foil, and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound or until warmed through. If you want to glaze the ham with honey or brown sugar, you would first need to prepare the glaze. Turn up the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and mix the contents of the glaze packet with 2 tablespoons of water and a teaspoon. Spoon the glaze mixture over the ham and heat for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the glaze sets. The optimum serving temperature for ham is 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit, so be careful not to overcook it.
Comparing the two methods, the crockpot offers the convenience of being able to dump in your ingredients, switch it on, and come home to a hot meal. It is also useful when you want to free up oven space for other foods, such as during the holidays when you might be cooking turkey. The oven method, on the other hand, saves time for some dishes and allows you to sear off meats on the stovetop before transferring them to the oven to seal in the moisture.
In terms of temperature, a crockpot's low setting is generally around 190 degrees Fahrenheit, while its high setting is around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature can vary depending on the brand and model. An oven, on the other hand, can reach higher temperatures, with a standard temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For braising, a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
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Cooking times and temperatures
When cooking Cure 81 ham in a crock pot, it is important to note that the hams are fully cooked when purchased. Therefore, the purpose of using a crock pot is to gently heat the ham while infusing extra flavour. The crock pot's low-temperature cooking ensures the ham remains moist and tender.
The cooking time and temperature for Cure 81 ham in a crock pot will depend on the size of the ham and the desired level of doneness. A general guideline is to cook the ham on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. This will heat the ham through to an internal temperature of 140°F, which is the optimum serving temperature for ham.
For a smaller crock pot, such as a 6-quart slow cooker, a ham weighing 6 to 8 pounds is recommended. This size of ham will fit well and allow for even cooking. If using a larger crock pot, a bigger ham can be accommodated, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
When using a baking pan in the oven, a similar cooking time and temperature can be applied. It is recommended to bake at 325°F for 20 minutes per pound or until warmed through. This will ensure the ham is heated evenly and thoroughly.
It is important to note that the ham should not be overcooked, as this can affect its tenderness and moisture. The goal is to heat the ham gently and allow it to absorb the flavours from the glaze and surrounding liquid in the crock pot.
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Serving suggestions
Cure 81 ham is a versatile dish that can be served for a variety of occasions, from Sunday dinners to holiday gatherings. The ham can be served hot or cold, making it a convenient option for any time of year.
When it comes to serving suggestions, the options are endless. For a simple and classic option, serve the ham alongside mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, and your favourite vegetable. This creates a hearty and wholesome meal that is sure to satisfy your guests. If you're looking for something a little more creative, try pairing the ham with unique side dishes such as barbecue sandwiches, soups, salads, appetizers, or desserts.
The glaze you choose for your ham can also be a great way to enhance your serving suggestions. A sweet and savoury honey glaze, for example, can be drizzled over the ham and served alongside it. You can even get creative with your glazes by using fruits, spices, vinegars, and sweeteners to create a signature flavour that complements the ham. Try orange marmalade with jalapeño and cumin for a sweet and spicy kick.
Don't forget that the presentation is also important. Arrange the sliced ham on a platter and spoon over the pan juices for a mouthwatering display. If you're serving the ham as a centerpiece dish, surround it with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of colour. You can also garnish the dish with small, colourful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, or roasted beetroot.
Lastly, consider the quantity of ham you will need for your gathering. For a smaller group of 6-8 people, a 3-4 lb ham should suffice. If you're hosting 10-12 guests, opt for a larger 5-7 lb ham. And if you're feeding a crowd, a 10 lb ham will generously serve 16-20 people. By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and memorable meal for your friends and family.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time will vary based on the size of the ham, but it should take around 5-6 hours on LOW in a crock pot/slow cooker. You can also cook it for 4 hours on HIGH.
Crock pots cook at lower temperatures over longer times. The ham is already cooked, so you just want to heat it through until it reaches an internal temperature of 135ºF-140°F.
Get a 6 to 8 lb. ham to fit best in a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker.
You can make a brown sugar glaze with honey, Dijon, balsamic vinegar, and other ingredients. Heat the glaze mixture in a saucepan and then spoon it over the ham before placing it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the glaze is set.
