Sounds strange doesn’t it? Turning Ham into a Superfood… You may be surprised to hear that many of the delicious Spices that we traditionally use with Ham are thought to pack extra nutrition. Cinnamon is used as a Medicine is some cultures for it’s antiseptic and blood healing properties. Nutmeg and Allspice are also supposed to good for pain relief. Cloves are said to be endowed with high levels of natural antioxidants.  The Fruit we use for Glazes can also be of the Superfood variety: Pomegranate, Orange, Raspberries, Cranberries, Pineapple, etc…

Ok let’s face it. Ham will never be considered a Superfood. But it tastes Super Good to those of us who can eat it. Because many Hams already come pre-cured with plenty of Salt, there is no need to add a lot to your seasonings. Also, by marinating it in Natural Fruit Juice, you can avoid recipes that call for tons of Brown Sugar. POWER Rub by California Gold BBQ Rubs contains very low levels of Salt and Brown Sugar. It also includes the luxurious flavors of Ginger and Cocoa. HEROIC! is All Natural and comes with No Added Salt or Sugar. Feel free to add your preferred form of Sugar or Sodium to the level that you like.

EASY SUPERFOOD SMOKED ORANGE HAM

The nice thing about this recipe is that marinating Ham in Natural Fruit Juice eliminates the the need for added Sugar. You can use Homemade, Organic or Low Sugar Preserves for Glaze.

INGREDIENTS

1 Ham (Precooked, Spiral Sliced or Uncooked-thawed)

2 Cups Orange Juice (May Substitute Pomegranate, Pineapple, Cranberry or your Choice)

2 Fresh Sliced Oranges

3-6 Tbsp. POWER or HEROIC! Spice Blend (depending on size of Ham)

1 Cup Raspberry Preserves (May substitute or use in combination with Orange, Ginger, Pineapple, or Cranberry)

Salt, Pepper, Brown (or Raw) Sugar to Taste

Grilled Pineapple, Cloves (Optional)

Mesquite or Hickory Wood Chunks (if Grilling with Charcoal); Chips if Gas/Electric Grill

 

COOKING DIRECTIONS

1. Day Before Cooking- Marinate Ham with 1+1/2 Cups Orange Juice and generous sprinkling of POWER or HEROIC! May add additional Salt, Pepper or Sugar, if desired. May apply Cloves every 2 inches apart and finish with Thin Slices from 1 Orange (peel attached) before wrapping in foil. Refrigerate overnight.

2. Next day, pre-heat Oven to 375 (or as directed by supplier). Pre-cooked Hams are easier to use if you are doing a big variety of dishes. For uncooked Hams, add an average of 3x Cooking time. For Grilling, set up unit for Indirect Smoking and soak Wood Chunks in water. Once Grill is ready, use 3 to 4 Chunks over Coals for every 60-90 minutes of cooking. For Gas/Electric, heat dry Wood Chips in foil or small pan over high heat. Either way, Ham will cook on the far side away from heat source.

3. Make a quick Glaze by gently heating 1 Cup Raspberry Preserves with 1/2 Cup Orange Juice and 1 Tbsp. HEROIC! or POWER. Also, slice one Orange for garnish. Add sliced ends to Glaze for more flavor.

4. Whichever method you use, Pre-cooked Hams should be warmed through for about one hour wrapped in foil, then open and glazed for second hour. Raw Hams cook in foil for 4-5 Hours (depending on size), then finish final hour open while Glazing. May also Grill Sliced Pineapples, then let them smoke on top of Ham.

5. Serve garnished with Parsley or Mint and Orange Slices. Happy Holidays.

Courtesy of California Gold BBQ Rubs

Website- http://www.californiagoldrub.com/

Amazon.com- http://www.amazon.com/HEROIC-BBQ-Gluten-Free-Added/dp/B00IEEYCNA