ham for the holidays (and beyond)

We southerners tend to make a grand spectacle of our holiday dinners. Give us a chance to make a meal cheesier, more buttery, or bigger and we’ll take it.   The centerpiece of most menus below the Mason -Dixon this Christmas will include some type of sugar glazed ham – a BIG ham.   A ham so big that once the holiday china is cleared and that perfect wrapping paper you painstakingly chose to match your tree is ripped to shreds,  the one thing of Christmas that remains is that ham.    Now The Angler will tell you that one of the things he likes most about the holiday eating frenzy is his Dec 26th ham sandwich.   I’ll confess,  I’m not a big fan of leftovers.  I’m learning to be more creative and resourceful.  This is one of those recipes that makes me revel in the luxury of leftovers.  I encourage you as your make your last run to the grocery prior to sitting down for your celebratory meal,  add a few of these ingredients to have on hand next weekend. If Christmas brings out the kid is us,  this recipe will make you glad you’re a grown up.

Grown Up Ham & Cheese Paninis

4 slices of ciabatta bread, medium slices  ( preferably, use fresh baked bread of your choice from your  local or grocer’s bakery)

6 oz of sliced sugar glazed ham  (I often make this with deli ham to make it a year round treat)

2 oz  ripe Brie  ( I buy an 8 oz wheel and slice into 1 oz portions.  Spreadble brie could also be used)

2 Tbsp Apricot Preserves ( substituting with orange marmalade is also yummy!   I’ll have apricot preserves on hand leftover from those jam cookies)

Baby Spinach Leaves

Heat your panini grill to medium high heat.  (if you do not have a panini maker,  you can use your old counter-top grill.  You know the one – it may be named after a boxer. If you want to use your cooktop – grab a brick and wrap it in foil.  Heat your skillet over medium heat.  We’ll get back to the brick in a minute)

While the heat is rising,  spread one slice of bread with 1 Tablespoon of preserves.  Layer the cheese on top of this.  Followed by the baby spinach leaves then with ham slices. Top with slice of bread.   Repeat to build second sandwich.

Place sandwiches ham side down on your panini maker. ( If you are using the cooktop method,  put the sandwiches in your skillet,  pull out that aluminum foil wrapped brick and place it on top of the sandwiches to act as a press.  You want the all these yummy flavors to melt and squish together)

Cook for 5-7 minutes.  Remove from grill.  (makes 2 sandwiches)

Cheers, Y’all!