Holiday Ham and Savory Sides

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Nov 14, 2013) - (Family Features) Holidays are a time filled with family, friends and -- perhaps most importantly -- feasts. Traditional holiday menu items have the power to evoke warm memories of holidays past while continuing to bring people together year after year. For many, the center of that coveted holiday table would not be complete without a sweet and savory spiral-sliced ham.

But what kind of holiday spread would it be without a plethora of delicious side dishes to accompany and complement the meal? Whether you prefer ham with notes of honey, nuts or fruit, make sure your dinner table boasts a variety of options that enhance its delectable flavor. Look for recipes that incorporate both traditional and unexpected ingredients for a holiday menu makeover. Doing so will keep guests pleased with familiar favorites, yet pleasantly surprised with the new variations. If you're looking for a savory side that spotlights the distinct flavors of the season, visit www.smithfield.com.

3 ways to make ham leftovers delectable

For many, the best part of the holiday meal awaits them in the fridge the next day. If you find yourself with a kitchen still stocked for a holiday feast, here are some easy ways to turn delicious ham into a flavorful meal with just a few extra ingredients:

Pizza: Nothing pleases a child -- or a parent for that matter -- more than pizza. Simply place marinara sauce, cheese and cubed ham atop broiled French bread or English muffins for a crunchy post-holiday lunch.

Pasta salad: Whip up a cool classic you can nibble on all week long. Prepare your favorite whole-wheat noodles, then mix in cubed ham, your favorite cheeses, diced tomatoes, spinach and a generous pour of creamy Italian dressing. It's an easy meal in just minutes.

Sandwiches: Take standard ham and cheese sandwiches to new levels with uneaten goodies from your cheese platter. Fill leftover artisan rolls from your holiday fare with sliced ham. Experiment with your favorite cheeses -- Gouda, Gruyere or Roquefort -- and place on the grill for a gooey, crunchy bite.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove packaging; reserve liquid. Place ham cut-side down on large sheet of foil in roasting pan, pour reserved liquid over ham and wrap completely with foil. Warm ham in oven for 10 to 12 minutes per pound. Do not overheat. After removing from oven, let sit for 5 minutes before glazing. Heat glaze packet for 15 seconds in microwave. Glaze is hot, so be careful when opening packet. Holding packet with towel or oven mitt, cut corner off packet and pour glaze into bowl. Stir well and spoon over ham. Let glazed ham sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow glaze to melt over ham.

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