Prepping the Perfect Ham

A baked ham is the perfect centerpiece to any holiday celebration. Follow these tips to ensure your seasonal meal’s main course is a sensation with your guests:

• Never thaw meat on the kitchen counter as the external temperature can rise above 40°F while the inside remains frozen. Thaw in either the refrigerator or in cold water.

• Plan ahead to clean up; line your pan with aluminum foil.

• To avoid dried out ham, cook at 325°F, allowing 20-30 minutes per pound.

• Place fat side up. The melting fat will baste your ham. Turn over halfway through baking to avoid uneven salting.

• Do not use sharp utensils when turning the ham. Valuable juices may escape if the ham is pierced.

• Use proper cooking times and temperatures. Cooking to at least 145°F will result in juicy, tender meat.

• Let ham stand for 15 minutes after roasting before slicing.

• Completely cook ham until done. Avoid partial cooking and storing in refrigerator for later use, which can contaminate the meat.

Kid-Favorite Holiday Cookies

It isn’t hard to convince kids to join in the fun of making holiday cookies. These cookies pack a great chocolate flavor thanks to a surprise ingredient – Cocoa Pebbles. For more kid-favorite recipe ideas, visit PostFoods.com.

Hot Chocolate Crunch Cookies

Prep time: 30 minutes

Total time: 3 hours

Servings: 52 cookies

• 1          cup Cocoa Pebbles, divided

• 2          cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2       cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2          teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1          teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2       teaspoon salt

• 1          cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 3/4    cups sugar, divided

• 2          large eggs

• 1          teaspoon vanilla

• 2          teaspoons cinnamon

• 1/4       teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Heat oven to 350°F.

In food processor, crush cereal to yield 1/2 cup. In medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup ground cereal, flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.

In large bowl, using electric mixer, cream butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down side of bowl. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat to combine. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture, beating until combined. Chill dough 1-2 hours.

In small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup ground cereal, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon and chili powder (optional – for a delicious spicy twist).

Using a tablespoon, form balls of dough. Roll in cinnamon-sugar-cereal mixture. Place balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press down lightly with a glass. Bake 8-10 minutes.

Holiday Side with a Twist

It’s easy to get caught up in the same holiday recipes year after year. They’re classics for a reason, right? Add a different twist to a holiday menu mainstay – mashed potatoes – this year with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and parsnips. Visit AboutOliveOil.org to learn more about the benefits of olive oil and to find more holiday recipes.

Garlic EVOO Smashed Potatoes and Parsnips

Serves: 6

• 3 medium to large russet potatoes, peeled and large diced

• 3 large parsnips, peeled and large diced

• garlic olive oil, to taste (see recipe)

• 3 tablespoons parsley, thinly shredded

• salt and pepper

Combine potatoes and parsnips in water, boil until tender. Drain well.

In large roasting pan, smash drained potatoes and parsnips with fork.

Season hot potatoes and parsnips with garlic olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Garlic Olive Oil for Potatoes and Parsnips

• 1 head of garlic, washed, dried and halved

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil