How do you save ham?

**Josephhgoins** · 12-26-2009, 01:17 PM

We usually cure our own hams, but I moved this year and just didn't have the time and now that I am in an apartment I don't have the room either.

So for Christmas dinner I got a Spiral Ham on sale. I cooked it and applied the glaze as per the instructions. I have to say it was VERY tasty. Not what I was used to, but still tasty.

Here is the problem, its only 2 of us and we can only eat so many ham sandwiches. I know I can freeze the bone and there seems to be no drippings to speak of. I also have a few recipes for left over ham (i.e. beans, soup, ham salad), but I would really just like to save the ham for New Year’s. Maybe make a platter with some cold cuts, cheeses and fresh crackers and rolls for friends.

The ones we cured at home would easily keep that long in the fridge, but I don't think this bought one will.

I thought about wrapping it well with saran wrap, and then into a large freezer bag and freeze it, but I am just not sure if it will keep well enough to use as the main ingredient in a meal.

Suggestions?

**dcompton** · 12-26-2009, 01:22 PM

I've kept commercial ham that long in the refrigerator and never had any problems. Others may disagree however. For my part, I would just wrap it well so it doesn't dry out and keep it in the coldest part of the fridge. I think it should be fine for a week.

**NikoSan999** · 12-26-2009, 03:29 PM

I agree with DC. Done this many times.

**Grainlady** · 12-26-2009, 04:01 PM

I portion ham in serving-sized amounts in small snack-size zip-lock bags, then quick-freeze them on a cookie sheet. Package them in a FoodSaver bag when they are completely frozen, and vacuum-seal shut - NO freezer burn. Now I can take out what I want, when I want, and seal the bag shut again.

I also dice the small ham tidbits and package/quick-freeze them to use as a topping for homemade pizza, or breakfast (in an omelet), or to add to scalloped potatoes, casseroles, or mac & cheese - using the same method. Nothing wasted. If you can't use the bone immediately, then you can also freeze it to use later for soup/beans.

Keeping time depends on the temperature of your refrigerator. A fully-cooked ham should keep well for up to 7 days in a refrigerator 40°F or colder.

Here's a USDA link that may be useful. Scroll down to the charts for keeping time.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/...fety/index.asp

**McD** · 12-26-2009, 04:55 PM

I freeze it for later use. It's delicious.

**ladytoysdream** · 12-26-2009, 05:04 PM

I bag off into what I think we will will use for a meal, in ziploc bags and freeze them. I also chunk up the small odd size pieces into cubes and bag them, for a later meal of potatoes and ham in the oven.

**mombottoo** · 12-26-2009, 09:14 PM

If you are planning on using the ham for New Year's Eve, I would cut it into the size pieces you want and freeze it. Take it out the day before to thaw and make up your trays. I personally don't eat anything that's been in the fridge longer than 3 days after originally being served, but that's just me.

**Josephhgoins** · 04-06-2010, 07:39 AM

So I went to get a spiral sliced ham as I like those better. First I thought ahead and got the smallest one I could find. It is only me the cat and the BF. I decided not to plan for unexpected company. I cooked it on Sunday and then we were invited to go to a friends for dinner and to bring the ham.....

We had plenty with lots of left overs. I got up yesterday and sliced and chopped what was left and put it in ziplock bags and froze it. I put the juice/drippings back on the eye with the bone and water and boiled then strained and will use that to make split pea soup.

I don't have to have ham all week and don't have to buy a whole new ham in a few weeks when I want it again.

BTW, I used the new-ish ziplocks that have the pump to pump out the air. THe bags have the texture of the food saver, just come in precut sizes and have a ziplock top. I have been using it for about a month and it seems to work well.