The boy went out for drinks after work, so it was just me, Linds and Luke for dinner. I volunteered to take one of the moms in my club (who just had a baby) a meal, so I doubled the sides and tossed some marinated chicken on the grill for us.
I always try to do something a little different when I take someone a meal. Most people put together a pasta or red sauce dish since they're easy, almost universally enjoyed, and freeze well, but more often than not, that's what they're getting from everyone else! I decided to make Sharon my beer glazed ham, a side of "au gratin-ish" potatoes, green beans and pink frosted cookies with sprinkles (store bought, but SO delicious!). It was a hit - they'd had their fair share of pastas already, so they were excited for something a little different. The ham is so easy (as were the potatoes), and it's one of my favorites when I'm in a ham mood.
Beer Glazed Ham
Ingredients
1 boneless fully cooked ham (3 lbs.)
1 can beer
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 T balsamic vinegar
2 tsp ground mustard
Directions
- Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes ½ inch deep.
- Set aside 2 T beer. Pour remaining beer over ham.
- Bake, uncovered at 350 for 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard and reserved beer; spread over ham.
- Bake 40-45 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 140, basting occasionally.
Au Gratin Potatoes
Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
4 1/2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup cornflakes cereal
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray one 8 inch square baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream and soup. Add grated potatoes, cheese, and onions. Mix well, and pour into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and cornflakes. Sprinkle over the top of the potatoes, and return to the oven.
- Bake uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes or until bubbly and corn flakes are golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
