How to Cook the Best Ham

By Ed MacDonald

Ham is one of those meats that are traditionally reserved for holiday gatherings. Why? Maybe because so few people know how to cook the best ham dish. If you would like to enjoy this delicious meat anytime of the year (or week), be sure to follow these simple cooking instructions for a fast and easy dinner that everyone will enjoy:

• Buy only ham that is a bright grayish pink in color and has a firm texture
• To prepare your ham for cooking, begin by trimming any excess fat from the rind - note: some cooks begin cooking their ham first to allow the fat juices to blend into the ham before trimming the fat away; this option is up to you, although it does make for a tastier dish.
• Score your ham by making diagonal cuts along the top and sides (be carful not to pierce the meat). This will help your marinade glaze soak through during the cooking process.
• If using cloves, add them now.
• Bake your ham in a 325 degree oven for about 15 minutes per pound (for precooked hams; longer for uncooked ones), or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160 degrees. Be sure to place it in the baking pan fat side up
• Always use a baking pan to allow the drippings to gather at the bottom of the pan for easier basting.
• Turn ham about halfway through the cooking process
• About 45 minutes before you expect your ham to be finished, remove from the oven and glaze.
• Once your ham has reached the proper temperature, remove from oven.
• Let stand for 15 minutes before carving to allow its internal juices to settle. Otherwise it could bleed much of its juicy flavor upon cutting.

As you can see, learning how to cook the best ham really only requires taking some effort to concoct a great glaze and take a little time to slowly roast your ham to perfection.

If you know how to cook, you can not only cook food traditionally reserved for holiday gatherings, you can cook dishes which are quick and easy, besides being tasty and healthy. But before you enter the kitchen, you need to know some simple and basic cooking tips. You can read numerous informative cooking tips at Best Cooking Tips ----------------------------------------------- For more Cooking Recipes, see www.greatestfoodsource.com.

Are You Ready to Take on Gourmet Cooking?

By Richard McDuff

Ok, you have mastered the standard cooking, are you ready to undertake some gourmet cooking? Are you ready master the art and intricacies of gourmet cooking? Do you have the patience to spend more time and more care on your cooking?

The best way to master the skills of gourmet cooking is to go to a cooking school to learn many of the skills required by form of cooking meals. Many good cooking schools employ cooks that have learned their skills in many different countries, especially from Europe and Asia in particular. Look for these schools to attend.

Many people who specialize in gourmet cooking will visit and train in other countries. Not only is it fun to visit other countries, but it is fun to enhance your skills as a cook and it is rewarding.

You will have to pay attention to detail if you are going to specialize in this form of cooking. Many people who eat these more expensive and labor intensive meals are rather picky, and will tell you what they think of their meal.

Not only will you learn to cook the food correctly, but you will also learn presentation, this is vital for people to really enjoy their meals. You will have to have an eye of an artist as well as their creativity.

While cooking good standard meals is enriching, cooking good gourmet meals while demanding they are also truly rewarding. Ask yourself whether you have the patience and the desire to master gourmet cooking.

Richard McDuff has been selling on the internet for 7 years. He has a website on cooking at #1 Meals on a Budget ----------------------------------------------------------- For more on Food Recipes, see www.greatestfoodsource.com.