Welcome

Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Monday 22 December 2008

Sacha loves ham and even though I know that by Boxing day everyone will be too full to eat much, I always make a ham - just for Sacha. This year I poached our ham in prosecco for an extra special Christmas treat!

Boxing Day Ham

1 large unsmoked gammon joint
1 bottle of prosecco or sparkling wine
2 heaped tbsp of caster sugar
1 whole onion, peeled
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp treacle
100g/3 1/2 oz dark muscovado sugar

Place the gammon in a large saucepan and pour over the prosecco. Top the pan up with water so that the gammon is covered. Add the caster sugar, onion and cinnamon to the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn the gammon over half way through cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5/190C/375F and drain the poaching liquid (this is a good stock base for soups). Remove the skin from the gammon and score the fat underneath with a sharp knife in a criss cross pattern and stud with cloves. Mix together the mustard, maple syrup, treacle and muscovado sugar. Place the gammon in a large roasting tin and cover with the treacle glaze. Roast for 30 - 45 minutes, basting half way through. Allow to cool and then store in the fridge wrapped in greaseproof paper until you are ready to serve.

3 comments:

Marie Rayner said...

I have a ham for Christmas Eve and now I know how I'm going to do it!!! Thanks so much Hannah!! Merry Christmas to you and Sacha!

Anonymous said...

Great recipe. We had a second Christmas on Saturday for my parents, Grandad, Sister and her boyfriend and I made this in the morning. Absolutley perfect. There was a tiny bit left which we had with the last of the bubble and squeak last night and it really was delicious.

Unknown said...

This was phenomenal. Made it a few weeks ago and will be making again for Christmas Day!