Southern Stuffed Ham

Today's Sunday Menu goes back in time to enjoy a few enticing and charming recipes of plantation style cooking.

See also Celery Slaw & Lima Bean Mushroom Casserole

Many of the south's great recipes come from such a time, like this one - sweet ham stuffed with a slightly seasoned dressing. There is another version favorable to Northerners, mainly in Maryland, that features a pungent almost sour flavor. Kale and spices are stuffed in slits along the ham and in turn, the ham is stuffed in a pillowcase, cooked in a marinade until it becomes corned-like and then it rests overnight. We do things a little different down here and we like our hams a little bit sweeter plus the dressing is an added bonus. Back in the day, when company came a calling, the kitchen folks came up with this delicious way to dress up an ordinary ham.  

Southern Stuffed Ham

1 whole ham
1/2 tsp ground mace
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs of celery, chopped
1/2 stick of butter
2 cups dry bread crumbs
2 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp ground sage
1/2 tsp red pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp celery seed
2 eggs, beaten
Ham or beef broth

Mix the mace and cloves with the pineapple juice.
Place ham in a large roaster and pour this mixture over it. Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 15 minutes per pound of ham. Baste with the pan juices often.

Prepare the dressing by sautéing the chopped vegetables in the butter until tender.
In a large bowl, combine the onion mixture with the seasonings. Add the beaten eggs and bread crumbs. Mix well and add just enough broth to make a nice dressing consistency.

Remove the ham 30 minutes prior to when it is done and debone. Split the ham from the bottom side and carefully remove the bone. Fill the cavity with the dressing and tie with a string. If you have any dressing left over, pat it across the top evenly. You can also decorate with peach halves or pineapple slices and cherries. Put back in oven and bake another 30 minutes.

Note: You can also use a party ham or canned ham. Cook the ham in the same manner and just dress or ice the outside the last 30 minutes. The dressing is really good baked in a loaf form, sliced and served with ham slices.