This is the fourth in my series of Cookbooks for Christmas. Be sure to check out The Fundamental Techniques of Classic Bread Baking, The Vegetarian Option and How to Cook Indian.
So back to this country ham.
One thing that I wasn’t expecting (nor would most Kentuckians), was to see country ham Caribbean-style with a side of Mexican cuisine thrown in. The second I turned to page 151 I knew what I was making.
Makes 20 Tamales
this is something new for me, i just curious the taste, must be yummy!
jerk anything is a fantastic idea. but wtf is country ham?? do we even have that in canada??
Sonia – There is a lot of flavor going on. It is delicious.
Kristy Lynn – Ha, ha! Funny you should ask. My husband and I just recently had a long discussion about US vs Canada ham and bacon with his Canadian coworker. It is salty like Canadian bacon, but much drier. It is dry-cured and almost crumbles once it’s been sliced. I’m not sure you all have anything exactly like it. Smoked ham would work fine in this recipe, though.
Ahhh those look amazing! Where did you get your corn husks? I want to make my own tamales! I love them and haven’t found a place around here that makes them.
I’m surprised the country ham wasn’t soaked a bit first to help remove some of the salt. Or were you able to purchase some that had already been sliced off?
Andrea – I can get local, pastured country ham here that is made at Marksbury, our local butcher/processor. They sell it sliced and packaged. Our Walmarts here have a really good Mexican/Hispanic foods section and I got the cornhusks there. All the sweet really balances the salty in these.
What a genius fusion recipe!
Wow, there’s our ham book! I’m so glad you liked it. It was truly a labor of love. (And of eating, but that’s another story.) Love that Kentucky country ham. Check out Nancy Newsom’s sometime. She’s the best! Her hams now hang in the world “ham museum” (yep, there is one) in Spain.
Tamales! I think I’m scared to try!
Looks like you did a nice job with these. I have never tried tamales, but I am thinking I should because this is the second post I have read tonight about them. I’ll take that as a sign!
What a yummy preparation! Loved this recipe and the way you write. I am fond of food and I think there is a lot to learn from you! Your photography is praiseworthy too. Do you have a facebook page? Please feel free to follow my blog as well as my FB page (Cosmopolitan Currymania)and I’ll follow your wonderful blog as well!!
http://cosmopolitancurrymania.blogspot.com
emily – Kind of unexpected, isn’t it? So good though!
Mark – I really appreciate your comment and truly enjoyed the book. I will definitely check out that country ham. Thanks for the tip!
Michelle – You can do it. Super easy and once you get them wrapped all they do is steam. It’s so simple.
Melinda – I think it is. Ha, ha! You’ll love making your own.
Purabi – Thanks for your kind words. I do have an FB page – http://www.facebook.com/fakefoodfree. See you over there!