 | Rod Baumberger
is a Fitness Specialist at Health Strategies/Life Strategies Foundation. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness Management from Newman University. In addition to his other duties, Rodney is an education coordinator in pulmonary rehabilitation and is a senior initiative coordinator. You may reach Rodney at Health Strategies, (316) 651-8015, or at the facility at 551 N Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214. |
Diet & Nutrition
2004-04-01 08:49:00
Why serve ham at Easter?
: How did the tradition of serving ham for Easter come about?
ANSWER: This type of pork is popular throughout the world. The custom of serving ham at Easter goes back as far as William the Conqueror, who served it along with such things as gammon and tansy pudding. Some believe that ham became traditional because the pig is a symbol of prosperity in many cultures. Schwean haben, a popular German expression, literally means to "have a pig." At one time it was fashionable to wear little figures of pigs on watch chains and charm bracelets. Piggy banks for children may also be an expression of this age-old idea.Here is an excellent ham recipe for that Easter family get-together.Raspberry Glazed Ham(4-5 lb.) Fully cooked boneless smoked hamTbsp. lemon juice1/3 c. seedless red raspberry jam¼ c. dry white wine2 tsp. cornstarch1 tbsp. butterScore ham in a diamond pattern, if desired. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake uncovered, in 325-degree oven for 1-3/4 hours. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, blend wine and lemon juice into cornstarch. Add about half of the jam. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in remaining jam and butter. Heat and stir until butter is melted. Brush ham with raspberry glaze. Bake 10 minutes more. Remove ham from oven and spoon remaining glaze over ham. Garnish with watercress, if desired. Will yield 6-8 servings.
