A Whole (Half) a Ham

Wow it has been a long time since I've been here.

So what's new in food news? Not much. We are still eating, but I have not tried anything new lately.

In November I sorta got on a health kick. I made lots of smoothies and popcorn. Dinners have been really simple. We eat pizza most every Friday night.

One new thing I've been doing is buying whole (or half) hams. This is so economical. A pound of Boar's Head ham is approximately $9 at the deli. On sale, a 7 lb half ham is $12. And I only buy it on sale. Granted it is a totally different product than Boar's Head, but still - it's ham. I use it for sandwiches and in soups. And you get a ham bone (also known as a soup bone).

Our groceries don't go as far now that our children eat real meals now. I'm always thinking of new ways to stretch the food budget.

With this half a ham I made 24 freezer sandwiches, homemade red beans and rice, and several ham sandwiches for Capt' Steve's lunch.

Nothing lasts longer than two people and a ham. - Abraham Lincoln

My parents always tell me that Abraham Lincoln said the above quote. But I can't verify it anywhere. Oh well, I like it anyways.

Freezer Sandwiches

I haven't been this excited about anything in quite some time -
FREEZER sandwiches!!! This is such a phenomenal idea, a sandwich for the freezer to be pulled out at your convenience and eaten when you just can't get it together and cook something. You better believe I'm making tons of these before mid January when my 2nd child is due.

 

This recipe comes from Robert St. John's cook book Deep South Staples. I've had these little sandwiches in pick-up form made on rolls and served at parties but I've never thought about making them for a rainy day. I'm seriously PUMPED!

My modifications to the recipe:

1/2 tablespoon horseradish instead of 3. If you love horseradish - go for 3, otherwise cut back or leave out all together if you don't care for horseradish at all.

Slather both sides of your buns in butter poppy seed mixture and then pile on ham and cheese.

Wrap tightly in individual foil pieces. I threw mine back in the hamburger bun bag.

Put away for a rainy day! When ready to serve heat in oven at 400 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. How perfect would these be with a side of tomato soup!

This really is the best thing since sliced bread.