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Southern Style Cola Basted Ham
I can remember being totally fascinated by the thought of cooking a ham in soda when I was a child. Then, when it came out of the oven and we finally tried it, I became a quick convert to the concept. Cola is really just sugar and caramel and flavorings, so it is not to surprising that it makes such a wonderful moist ham. Make sure not to use diet cola as the sweeteners in them will break down and turn bitter.
1 ten pound Southern ham
26 ounces cola
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 cups fresh bread crumbs
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the ham, fat side down in a roasting pan that has a rack. Don't place the ham on the rack yet, but make sure the pan will hold one because you will need it later. Bake the ham for 2 1/2 hours, basting every 20-30 minutes. Remove the ham from the pan and remove the fatty skin. In a small bowl mix 1 1/2 cups of the pan drippings with the remaining ingredients. Let cool slightly until you can comfortable touch it with your hands. Place the rack in the pan. Arrange the ham on the rack, this time with the (formerly) fatty side up. Pat the bread crumb mixture over the ham, pressing into the ham to make sure it sticks. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, basting with the cola twice. Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes, and then carve.
Makes 16 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
This recipe is part of the Christmas Ham Dinner Menu.
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