From Our Family to Yours

From our Family toYours

A little over 10 years ago, I was preparing to host my in-laws for a Christmas dinner and wanted to find a recipe that would differ from our Christmas Eve dinner, a roasted picnic pork shoulder. In my search, I came across a Cinnamon Citrus Glazed Ham from Emeril Lagasse (you remember “bam bam”). Since then, this dish has been the centerpiece of our Christmas dinner. The aroma of the ham fills the house beautifully, so much so that my niece once walked into the house and said, “Oh, it smells like Christmas.” That is when you know you have created not only a Christmas tradition, but a Christmas memory.

Arlene Reyes, VP of Sales

Cinnamon-Citrus Glazed Ham

From Emeril’s Test Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

One 7 to 8 pound fully cooked ham, bone-in, scored 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern 10 3-inch cinnamon sticks cut in half lengthwise 4 Navel oranges, sliced crosswise into 1/3-inch slices (20 slices) 5 lemons, sliced crosswise into 1/3inch slices (20 slices) 10 bay leaves

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 13-oz jar marmalade 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup water 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger pinch of cloves and nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325º F.

While oven is preheating, prep your ham. Place the ham cut-side down in a deep oven-safe roasting pan or dish. Evenly insert the halved cinnamon sticks partway into the scored ham, and skewer one orange slice and one lemon slice onto each cinnamon stick, sliding snugly against the ham. Tuck the bay leaves around the ham, secured by the orange slices. Sprinkle the ham with black pepper. Put the ham into the preheated oven uncovered.

While the ham first begins cooking, prepare your glaze. Combine the marmalade, brown sugar, orange juice, water and spices in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reduces to a glaze and can coat the back of a spoon.

The ham should bake for approximately two hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 150º F. During the last hour of cooking, baste the ham with the prepared glaze.

About seven years ago my cousin made this for a family potluck and it was delicious!! I knew I had to have the recipe. I gave it a try that same year for Thanksgiving and it was such a hit! Now, it comes highly requested by my in-laws and extended family before the holidays. Seven years later, I have made it for every single Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. If you don’t love sweet potatoes, you will after trying this dish.

Casey Meglino, Marketing Consultant

Sweet Mashed Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

6 Medium Sweet Potatoes 1 stick of butter 1/2 cup of sugar 1 tsp of Vanilla 1/3 cup of Milk 2 eggs

DIRECTIONS:

Peel & cube sweet potatoes. Boil for 20 minutes. Drain sweet potatoes. Add 1 stick of butter and beat with mixer. Add sugar, vanilla & milk. Beat both eggs and drizzle in slowly while mixing. Spread in 13” x 9” pan.

TOPPING:

1/3 cup of butter 1 cup of brown sugar 1/2 cup of flour 3/4 cup of walnuts or pecans

DIRECTIONS FOR TOPPING:

Mix topping ingredients and spread on top of sweet potatoes.

Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Enjoy!

Esther 4:14 Boutique for Women and Children We are Casual Elegance

We specialize in hand picked contemporary pieces that offer an elegant, sophisticated yet edgy style

Located in Historic SmithVille and Downtown Hammonton Extended Holiday Hours.