Looking to elevate your holiday feast this year? Dive into the festive flavors of "Christmas Gammon with Spiced Peaches," a British classic that promises to be the star of your dinner table! This succulent gammon joint, glazed to perfection and paired with luscious spiced peaches, will not only impress your guests but also fill your home with the irresistible aroma of Christmas. Whether it's for a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to create lasting memories and leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to make your holiday celebrations unforgettable? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole gammon joint
- 1 can spiced peaches
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Cloves for studding
- Water for boiling
Instructions
- Remove the gammon joint from its packaging and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with kitchen paper towels.
- Place the gammon in a large cooking pot and cover completely with cold water. Ensure the water is at least 2 inches above the meat's surface.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Skim off any white foam that appears on the surface to ensure a clear cooking liquid.
- Simmer the gammon for approximately 20 minutes per 500g of meat. For a typical joint, this will take around 2 hours.
- Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove the gammon from the water and drain well. Allow to cool slightly for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Transfer the gammon to a roasting tray.
- Score the gammon's outer fat layer in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
- Stud the scored surface with whole cloves, inserting them at the intersection points of the diamond pattern.
- Mix brown sugar and mustard powder to create a glaze. Gently brush this mixture over the entire surface of the gammon.
- Drain the spiced peaches and arrange them around the gammon in the roasting tray.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice and serve hot, accompanied by the roasted spiced peaches as a festive garnish.
Tips
- Choose Quality Gammon: Opt for a high-quality gammon joint from your butcher for the best flavor and texture. Look for meat that has a good balance of fat for moisture and richness.
- Rinse and Soak: Rinsing the gammon helps remove excess salt. If your joint is particularly salty, consider soaking it in cold water for a few hours before cooking.
- Skimming is Key: While simmering, be diligent about skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. This will ensure a clear and clean cooking liquid, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Perfect Glaze: For a richer glaze, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or orange juice to the brown sugar and mustard mixture for a tangy twist.
- Don't Rush the Resting: Allowing the gammon to rest after roasting is crucial. This step redistributes the juices, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
- Serve with Style: When serving, arrange the spiced peaches artfully around the gammon for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests.
- Leftover Ideas: If you have leftovers, consider using them in sandwiches, salads, or even a hearty breakfast hash the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 341kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
