Baked Ham with Pineapple & Brown Sugar Glaze

This is the most festive presentation for a baked ham ever. I make this once or twice a year. This will be our Christmas ham again this year alongside a standing rib roast for the real meat eaters in the family. The recipe and picture above are compliments of the "Little Shamrocks" website. Please visit them at  http://www.littleshamrocks.com/recipes/entrees/baked-ham-with-pineapple-and-brown-sugar-glaze.html

Ingredients:

·         1/2 Ham (your choice of your favorite cut) shank-end hams contain less gristle and fat and are easier to carve than butt-end hams.

·         1    Can pineapple slices, drained (reserve liquid)

·         1    Small jar maraschino cherries (reserve liquid)

·         1/3 Cup packed brown sugar

·         Whole cloves

 

Preparation:

Preheat Oven 325

Place ham, cut side down, in baking pan. Score the rind about 1/8 inch deep into 1 1/2 inch diamonds. Insert a clove into the center of each diamond. Arrange pineapple slices over the exposed area by inserting a cherry in the center of each one with a toothpick.

Mix the pineapple liquid with the brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of cherry liquid. Pour over the ham and bake according to your recipe (about 2 1/2 hours for an 8-pound ham; about 31/2 hours for a 16-pound ham). Baste ham and pineapple about every 30 minutes to coat pineapple and keep it moist.

Remove from oven and let rest for about 30 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks, pineapple, cherries and cloves. Pineapple and cherries go well served on the side.

Banana Nut Bread

I always loved when Mom was cooling off the freshly made loaf of Banana bread, I knew I was going to get all I wanted smothered with creamy butter. I am older (quite a bit) and have cut down a little on the butter but I will never give up home baked breads like this one. This is my favorite recipe; it's from the "What's Cooking America web site. The bread picture above is also courtesy from their web site. Please visit them using this link:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Bread/BananaPecanBread.htm 

I wonder how this will taste using a gluten free flour. I will post it when I know it. Stay tuned Land Lubbers.

Ingredients:

 

·         1/2 cup butter or margarine

·         1 cup sugar

·         2 eggs

·         2 cups sifted flour

·         1 teaspoon baking soda

·         1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder

·         1/2 teaspoon salt

·         1 cup bananas (approx. 3)

·         1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Preparation:

Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with bananas. Fold in nuts. Pour into greased bread pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool thoroughly before slicing.