Weekly Gleaner UK Christmas 2014

Merry Christmas Christmas Merry

A WEEKLY GLEANER FEATURE

It’s Christmas HAM time!

Whether it’s the shoulders, the ribs, or the chops, it’s all good

12 whole cherries

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Remove ham from the freezer and wrap in newspaper. Thaw in the bottom of the refrigerator for 24-36 hours.

2. Remove casing from ham and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel. Place two overlapping sheets of aluminium foil on work surface and use to wrap ham.

Use additional aluminium foil to cover ham completely, if necessary.

3. Fit a rack over the roasting pan, place ham on the rack, ensuring that the fat side of the ham faces upwards; then pour water into the roasting pan. The water should not touch the ham.

4. Bake ham in a pre-heated oven at 1800C (3500F), allowing 20 minutes per pound. Replenish water if necessary.

5. Remove ham from the oven and allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Ham is fully baked when the skin peels off easily.

6. Drain liquid from the can of pineapple slices and put it to boil with the sugar, ginger and about 8 cloves. Boil until the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove from flame and add the pineapple slices to the mixture, toss and set aside.

7. To decorate the ham: Peel off the skin.

Use a sharp knife to make diagonal slits in the ham and then stud with remaining cloves. Pour Grace Sweet n’ Spicy Hot Pepper Sauce over the surface of the ham and spread evenly using a pastry brush. Return to the oven and bake for a further 1015 minutes or until a golden brown colour is achieved.

Remove ham from the oven.

8. Arrange pineapple slices over the surface of the ham and secure each with toothpicks. Place a cherry in the centre of each pineapple slice.

Preparation Note: (1) Thawing time will depend on the size of the ham. (2) The size of the roasting pan will dictate the amount of water used. (3) The size of the ham will determine the total baking time.

Calculating baking time (example): 6.36 kg x 2.2046 - 14 lbs 14 lbs divided by 3 - 4.67 hours or 14 lbs x 20 minutes per pound - 280 minutes divided by 60 minutes - 4.67 hours.

Traditional Ham, Christmas Ham- Jamaican Style

Krysta Anderson Gleaner Writer

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T’S FINALLY here! The most wonderful time of the year - the season of savoury indulgences - has arrived. During this season, the next white meat takes centre stage. Yes, we are talking about pork. Tables are set for various forms of this four-legged delicious beast. Whether it’s the shoulders, the ribs or the chops, it’s all good. But the mainstay on almost every table for Christmas is ham - taken from the shoulder and leg.

Ham is one of the most popular meats for Christmas dinners. And for those looking to spice up their palate, we have a treat for you!

The Gleaner sought culinary expertise from CB and Grace Foods to provide heart-warming and scrumptious ham recipes for your tables. Indulge.

times) until glaze is finished and a dark golden-brown crust has formed.

6. Let ham rest 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.

Chef Oji JaJa Citrus Glaze (yield 32oz)

INGREDIENTS • 8 cups orange juice • 2 each bay leaves • 12 each allspice berries • 4 each cloves • 2 cups granulated sugar • 2 tbsp ginger purée • 2 each star anise METHOD 1. In a heavy saucepan, combine all ingredients and reduce until a sauce consistency is achieved. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.

2. Cool and store for use.

Caribbean Passion Citrusglazed Ham Grace Country Pride Ham HAM PREPARATION with Grace Sweet N’ Spicy 1. Heat oven to 35 F. Hot Pepper Sauce Glaze 2. Thaw Caribbean Passion picnic or leg 0

ham and remove packaging or netting from the ham. Trim away any excess fat, leaving just a little.

3. Line a baking pan with aluminium foil, place ham in pan, cover it with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

4. Remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425F. Using a sharp knife, score one-inch-wide diamond patterns.

5. Brush the ham with a quarter of the glaze, return it to the oven, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush with another quarter of the glaze, and repeat every 15 minutes (about three more

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

INGREDIENTS 1 whole 6.36 kg. (14 lbs) Grace Country Pride Leg Ham

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2 sheets aluminium foil 4 cups water 1 can Grace Pineapple Slices 1/4 cup sugar 1tsp crushed ginger 24 cloves 1 bottle Grace Sweet n Spicy Hot Pepper Sauce DECEMBER 11 - 17, 2014 • 15

christmasfeature

‘Tis the season ... for poinsettias Keisha Hill Gleaner Writer

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OINSETTIAS ARE traditionally the quintessential Yuletide flowering plants that hold a nostalgic place in many hearts throughout the Christmas season.

Grown for their brightly coloured bracts (the part of a plant that may resemble a leaf or a petal), poinsettias are popular Christmas decorations in homes, churches, offices, and elsewhere across North America and the Caribbean.

The coloured bracts are often mistaken for flower petals because of their groupings and colours, but are actually coloured leaves. The actual flowers of a poinsettia are the yellow button-like buds in the centre of the brilliantly coloured bracts.

While the poinsettia provide a radiant backdrop during this season, many persons are curious about its colours. According to Geoffrey Shields - of Shields & Shields, a leading pioneer in the development of Jamaica’s Horticultural Industry - the colours of the bracts are created through photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness 12 hours at a time for at least five days in a row to change colour.

“Poinsettias flower naturally at Christmas because they need long nights to flower and short nights to grow. None will flower if they do not get the long-night treatment,” Shields said.

It can be quite a tedious process if you are really not into gardening because at the same time, the plants require abundant light during the day for the brightest colour. They

should be kept in temperatures from 60*F to 70*F in an area free from either hot or cold drafts. The soil can dry out slightly between watering, but avoid overwatering as the roots could rot if these flowers sit in puddles of water.

RED MOST POPULAR According to Shields, the coloured poinsettias represent 10 per cent of actual sales, while the red colour still represents 90 per cent of production and sales. Shields indicated that numerous other breeds have come

on the scene, so there are many in terms of variety and colours.

“Poinsettias come in a wide range of colours, including solid colours like red, maroon, red-purple, white, peach, and pale yellow. Many other varieties include speckled, striped, or splotched colours. No matter what colours you choose, however, there are many creative and attractive ways to decorate with poinsettias,” Shields said.

The plants typically reach a height of 0.6-4 metres (2ft 0in-13ft 1in). The plant bears dark-green dentate (teeth-like or serrated)

leaves that measure 7-16 centimetres (2.8-6.3 in) in length.

There are many ways to decorate with these beautiful plants, and with a bit of creativity, poinsettias can be part of all your holiday adornments. To keep the blooms of both the flowers and bracts fresh and strong, choose plants that also have abundant green leaves at the base and where no pollen is falling from the flowers. Swap a poinsettia’s standard plastic pot for a basket lined with moss. You can hang it inside or out for a unique Christmas display.

Spruce up the home before Christmas CHRISTMAS SEASON in Jamaica is a time when family and friends, from near and far, journey home to be with loved ones. These holiday guests, no matter how

welcome, bring stress. With a little preparation, you can reduce some of that holiday strain before the doorbell rings.

Michael Scott, president

and owner of Ultimate Kitchens and Bath Inc, and a consultant with the Edgehill Homes project in St Mary, has shared the following tips to get your home in guest-

shape by December 24.

Painting – Scott said painting provides the most dramatic results with the least amount of investment.

This is something any home-

owner can take on, with a little time and effort, to make meaningful improvements to a space.

Kitchen – This vital room in your house can be updated easily and affordably by replacing the knobs/pulls on your cabinet doors and drawers. You can also add under-cabinet lighting or a glass-tile backsplash. This will allow you to showcase your holiday feast. After the season, you will have a great space to show off your kitchen.

Bathroom – Adding a new light fixture or new trim to your dated shower/faucet set can brighten up a space and create a more enhancing product.

“Also, a new hanging mirror can spruce up a dated bathroom. On the maintenance side of a bathroom, you can re-caulk the tub deck or sink. Fortunately, caulk is cheap, and applying it isn’t difficult. All you need

is an hour, a few common tools and materials easily found at any hardware store, Scott told The Gleaner.

Look for the little problems.

“Every house has some small problems, from loose doorknobs or toilet handles that have to be held down when you’re flushing. We get used to them, so we know how to make them work, and hardly even notice them,” he said.

House guests don’t know our way of working around these little problems, so Scott advised that, for Christmas and beyond, we do them a favour and fix those little problems before they arrive.

“It will save your guests the embarrassment of having to ask how to use something or, worse yet, thinking they broke it,” he said.

For more information, email mscott@ukbi.net. Phone: 954534-6881 or visit ww.ukbi.net.

A remodelled bathroom.

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THE WEEKLY GLEANER

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Jamaican Patties Ltd rolls out new range of gourmet patties T

HE UK’S leading Jamaican patty MANUFACTURER, JAMAICAN PATTIES LTD, is redefining the word diversity with a brand new range of Port Royal gourmet patties. A gourmet patty is a large 250 gram HIGHER QUALITY version of the normal patty and has its origins at Devon House in Jamaica.

It is an exciting venture for the Londonbased company JPL and their PORT ROYAL BRAND, which has helped to introduce the wider British public to Jamaican patties through their large presence in mainstream retail stores.

The PORT ROYAL gourmet patty range will be available in a variety of flavours (FILLINGS) including Curry Goat, Trini curry chicken, Pumpkin and Feta Cheese, Ackee and Saltfish, Callaloo and Saltfish with Lobster and Stew Beef soon to be added. They typically retail at £4 to £5 and are a complete meal best served with a side salad or Coleslaw and chutney.

The NEW PORT ROYAL product line will be launching soon at Dub Jam Jerk BBQ and Rum Shack in Covent Garden.

Dub Jam is the hip and trendy place for Caribbean food that side of the city. Its theme shouts life, vibrancy and energy with a chilled out undertone and reflects the passion that has gone into making Port Royal Patties the choice for so many consumers across the UK. The team at Dub Jam said: “We compared the Port Royal Gourmet range to all the patties available in the UK and they were by far the best.

There are other patties being sold in Covent Garden but the Port Royal Gourmet range win hands down.”

Managing director at JAMAICAN PATTIES LTD, Edward

Johnston said: “We are really happy that we now have a prestigious outlet such as Dub Jam selling our PORT ROYAL Gourmet range in this highly competitive area of London.

We wanted very much to be showcased in premium trendy outlet and are thus very happy to team up with Dub Jam. Continuing, he said: ”The Rum Kitchen , a Caribbean inspired beach shack restaurant and cocktail bar located in Carnaby St and Notting Hill also now carry the Port Royal gourmet patties. Over the years we have always sought to improve our product offerings and this is one of the lines about which we are most excited. The PORT ROYAL Gourmet Range is also available from our factory at wholesale prices and can be delivered to high end restaurants that want a £5 retail patty. Believe me, it is well worth it.

The big chunks of meat are so succulent and tasty that you will be amazed.”

The PORT ROYAL GOURMET range will be listed in several highend restaurants in the near future.

Marketing manager at JAMAICAN PATTIES LTD, Aaron Johnston said: “ We are planning a launch party for our new PORT ROYAL Gourmet Range, and thought there was no better place than Dub Jam to launch from!

In keeping with the “Dub” theme, we have VP records (Number 1 Reggae Label) on board so we’ll be having very special guest DJ’s to play some wicked reggae to set the vibes right, with lots of musical surprises in store. Dub Jam’s Rum Punch will be flowing as well as other classic Caribbean cocktails.

And of course guests will be able to sample PORT ROYAL’S NEW delicious new range of patties.”

If readers are interested in attending the launch there are limited guest spots available. You may email Aaron Johnston at aaron@portroyal.co.uk to be added.

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

DECEMBER 11 - 17, 2014 • 17

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Holiday home-safety tips HE JOY of Christmas and New Years often causes people to overindulge, thus compromising their safety and that of others.

This Christmas, as you go about decorating your home and indulging in other merrymaking activities around the house, please take note of and enforce these basic anti-disaster principles:

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Place your tree or greens at least three feet away from other fire sources. If purchasing a live, cut tree, carefully inspect the needles. If they are brown or break easily, the greenery isn t fresh and poses a greater fire risk.

When you take your tree home, put it in a sturdy, non-tip stand and keep it filled with water at all times.

Ensure that it is difficult for the family cat or dog to drink from the container as not only can they topple the tree over,

but they also can chew on the electrical wires, which can literally be a shocker.

When decorating with artificial trees or greens, purchase those whose branches have been treated with flameretardant material.

(Check labelling). Don’t add light strings and other electrical decorations to artificial trees with metallic needles, leaves, or branch coverings.

Carefully inspect new or old electrical decorations before plugging them in. Cracked sockets, frayed, or loose connections may cause a serious electric shock or start a fire. Replace with new decorations.

Always unplug before replacing light bulbs or fuses.

Don’t overload extensions cords. They could overheat and start a fire.

Turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving

home or going to bed.

Don’t put your family at risk by heading off to sleep while feeding electricity to these pretty but popular flamestarters.

Check Christmas lights for frayed, or damaged wires, or loose connections. Never leave lights on with unattended children around.

SHOPPING FOR TOYS When shopping for toys for young children, ensure that they are age appropriate.

Examine toys carefully to see if any parts come off easily and might be swallowed by young children.

Check for sharp edges, hidden pins, or wires.

Immediately throw out all wrappings for toys that can be a choke or suffocation hazard.

Toddlers are strangely more attracted to the wrappings and packaging of some toys than the toy itself.

File Six-year-old Jaheem Robinson, seems to be enjoying this huge Christmas tree in the St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston days before the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Concert.

Keep candles away from walls and drapes, open windows where the flame can be fanned and ignite nearby flammables.

Avoid using them in decorations or displays and watch for dripping wax.

Do not leave candles unattended.

Tips to ensure your safety this Christmas 1 Hide gifts: Make sure gifts and valuables, wrapped and unwrapped, are out of view and not visible from any windows. The same applies to gifts in the car.

2 Inventory: Make an inventory (list and photos) of the most important and/or valuable stuff in your home and keep the list in a safe place (not on a laptop, in case that gets stolen!).

3 Gift packaging: Don t put gift packaging boxes out for recycling or leave them sticking out of your bin. Thieves will notice! Store boxes out of sight until you are sure they will be hauled away by the garbage collectors.

4 Doors and windows: Lock all doors and windows, leave a light on, and draw the curtains if you go out after dark. Keep your doors and windows locked from the inside even when you are inside your home.

5 Alarm wiring: For the most effective alarm system, check that all wiring is fully concealed. A burglar could look for places to disconnect the security system.

18 • DECEMBER 11 - 17, 2014

6 Outbuildings: Don t leave spare keys outside, or in a garage, or shed.

Keep garden sheds and garages locked at all times.

7 Window lock keys: Don t leave window keys in their locks.

8 Fire guard: Have a spark-proof guard in front of all open fires.

9 Smoke detectors: Make sure your smoke detectors are working correctly. One in three smoke alarms fail to work mainly due to missing or dead batteries.

1 0 Burglar alarm: If you have a faulty alarm that frequently goes off, get it fixed immediately and tell your neighbours that it has been repaired. Twentyfive per cent of people ignore an alarm that goes off regularly!

boxes and cans in the kitchen. That s the last place burglars will look!

1 3 Lost-key cover: If you lose your keys, change the locks immediately.

1 4 Get involved in your neighbourhood watch programme and utilise a buddy system so that everyone knows the signal to use when trouble is present. If you re going away this Christmas: 1 5 Neighbours: Ask a trusted neighbour to help make the house look occupied; to call in every now and then; to turn the lights on and off; to draw the curtains; to collect the post,

It is that time of year when kids are going to insist on helping around in the kitchen. Make sure they are never left unsupervised or have easy access to sharp objects.

Stress that the stove is out of bounds. To be on the safe side, reserve their assistance for when it is not in use.

Make sure all new bicycles have training wheels.

Avoid video games that are too graphically violent unless the child is responsible enough.

Some kids have been known to act out combative moves they executed in the game on friends, causing bodily harm.

HOSTING A PARTY As the host, it is your responsibility to make sure all guests who drink alcohol have a designated driver. Plenty of food and soup should be available when alcohol is served. etc.

1 6 Security measures: Visible burglar alarms, exterior security lighting, indoor timer lighting switches, and leaving the radio on will all help to give the impression that somebody is at home.

1 7 Answer phones: Never leave an answer machine message indicating that you are not at home.

1 8 Rubbish bins: A home without rubbish shows burglars no one is at home. Ask a neighbour to put rubbish in your bin while you are away.

1 9 Car in driveway: Leave a car in your driveway while you are away. Don t forget to lock everything and set your burglar alarm before you go away!

1 1 Messages: Don t leave ‘I’m out’ or ‘Back in five’ minutes notes for service people or family members on the door.

1 2 Kitchen cupboards: Stash your small valuables inside THE WEEKLY GLEANER