what do do: ham drippings

[gottadance]

I made a ham and just froze the bone and some ham for soup later, but what do I do with the drippings? Seems a shame to waste them. I've never done anything with ham drippings. At the very least I could make some suet for the birdies - anyone have any other suggestions? Could I perhaps use them to make soup broth?

[Josephhgoins]

I use it when I make beans. I just add it to the water in lieu of actual ham. Makes them just as tasty in my opinion.

You can scrape it out and keep it in a jar in the fridge or freezer. As it has bits of food in it, I would keep it in the freezer.

I personally never keep it more than a day or so, because I really like it in the beans and just can't wait any longer.

[pollypurebred39]

You could make string beans (green beans) and potatoes.

Just put your drippings in a kettle and fill with string beans. They can be fresh canned or frozen, just make sure you load the kettle with them, they cook down.

Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cover. Simmer for several hours, stirring often and adding water as needed. The string beans will change color and become VERY soft. Add peeled chunked potatoes at the very end, cook until tender and the potatoes have taken on the flavor of the drippings.

Before serving season well with salt and LOTS of black pepper. This is great with homemade biscuits and sweet tea.

[baxjul]

I also use it for my beans! I make soup, with the ham bone also.

[gottadance]

Wow - these are all great responses! I'm going to freeze the drippings for now - I already have too much food in my house!

[Libby]

MMM....ham gravy! LOL

Would this work as a base for the sausage gravy (and biscuits)?

[zakity]

You can use it for gravy but it can make it too salty. It works better in a soup. You can also use it as a starter for potato soup.

Hmmm... An abundance of potatoes and ham juice in the freezer. Yummy!!!! I think I know what I am making this week!

[Libby]

You can use it for gravy but it can make it too salty. It works better in a soup. You can also use it as a starter for potato soup.

Hmmm... An abundance of potatoes and ham juice in the freezer. Yummy!!!! I think I know what I am making this week!

Yum! Thanks!

[pop goes the weasel]

Home made noodles and ham, pot pie, beans,green beans and tators..........ok now ya went and made me hungry

[Luckybustert]

I'd use it to flavor green beans. I don't usually cook potatoes with my green beans, mostly because those carbs go straight to my hips and tummy. But with or without the potatoes, adding ham drippings to green beans is sooooo good!

[mauimagic]

We are making a ham today and I will definitely save the drippings for the first time!! Mahalo - love the idea of cooking the green beans in the drippings!!