HAM HINTS

1. How much ham do you need? A bone-in ham provides 2-3 servings per pound; a boneless ham, 3-4 servings per pound; a semi-boneless ham, 3-4 servings per pound.

2. Buy ham with a rosy pink color. The meat should be firm to the touch when pressed.

3. Fully cooked bone-in hams should be heated about 15-18 min. per pound in a 325° oven to an internal temperature of 140°. For fully cooked boneless ham, heat 18-20 min. per pound.

4. Cook-before-eating hams should be baked in a 325° oven to an internal temperature of 160°. The amount of time varies depending on the cut of ham you choose. Check packaging for details, or for a handy USDA chart, visit www.tasteofhome.com/links.

5. If cooking more than one ham, make sure there is uniform space around the hams so they will cook evenly. They should not be touching.

6. To add flavor and give the ham a pleasing overall appearance, stud with cloves and lightly brush with oil or a glaze to keep it moist during cooking.

7. For a pretty presentation, use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern about 1/2 inch deep in the surface of the ham. Then, push a whole clove into the oints of each diamond.

8. Leftover cooked ham should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated within 1-2 hours after cooking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

9. Freezing deteriorates Ham quality. But if you must freeze, wrap ham tightly. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.