How to cook a country ham

Source: Annhall Norris, UK extension associate

Country ham is a regional delicacy that many of us enjoy but may not know how to properly prepare. Here are some tips and tricks to make country ham the star of your holiday dinner.

Country hams may contain mold, which is a result of the curing process. Mold is normal, but it could produce mycotoxins which could cause a food-borne illness. Remove mold by washing the ham with hot water and scrubbing it with a stiff vegetable brush.

Soak the ham for four to 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Cover with water and boil the ham for 20 to 25 minutes per pound.

Drain and glaze your ham to taste.

Brown it in the oven for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Store cooked country ham in the refrigerator for 7 days or freeze it for up to a month.

For more specific directions and safety precautions, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Ham and Food Safety webpage at http://bit.ly/2fkcCRv or contact the Clinton County Extension office.

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Homemakers Children’s Christmas Village

The Clinton County Extension Homemakers will sponsor its annual Children’s Christmas Village, Santa’s Workshop, on Monday, December 12th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Learning Center Auditorium. Children may purchase up to six gifts for family members with the help of one of our special elves. Don’t forget that Santa and Mrs. Jingle will be at Christmas Village too. For more information, contact the Clinton County Extension Office at (606) 387-5404.