Re: Re: Sodium Nitrate and Ham

September 25, 2005

Dear Everyone:

I wanted to know if sodium nitrate is legal. I have searched both websites and

could not find any information on whether it is discouraged. I am assuming it

is allowed because of Elaine's comments that you can have bacon whenever you

want as long as it is not cured with sugar. There was no mention of sodium

nitrate. My daughter has ADHD and my other daughter has chronic eczema and

nasal and chest congestion. Both have tested positive to numerous food

allergies.

I bought a ham which was dry cured (Felts Country Cured). On the package it

said if you want to reduced salt to soak before cooking. My bother in law who

is a chef told me the dry cured ham does not taste good. What is the best way

to prepare this ham? Its 16lbs, I hope I don't waste it because noone will eat

it. I am living in their house (my brother in laws) right now temporarily.

Any opinions would be welcomed. Thank you, Eileen

September 25, 2005

A friend told me to boil in water for an hour before baking to get the salt

out... then bake as usual. I would think a glaze of pineapple juice and honey

would be yummmmmy.

You can get uncured hams from the butcher, too - they taste like pork roast

rather than traditional ham, but they are delicious.

Robbie