Getting the most out of a 20 lb. HAM

OK, so I bought this reallly big, smoked ham!
It's a 20 pounder & it was on sale, half price {orig. $38 ... I paid $19}.
I wanted to share how many meals we got out of this one ham!

I love the concept 'cook once, eat twice,' & I do that as often as I can.
This week, however, it was more like cook once, eat 5 or 6 times!


On Sunday, I baked the ham.
Along with it, we had from-scratch scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, green beans,
bread & butter, & brownies.
That was lunch.


By suppertime, it was time for round 2.
Everything was reheated ... & it tasted even better the second time!


James carved up all the remaining ham & we portioned it out for the upcoming meals for the week.
He separated the bone at the joint, putting half of it in the freezer, along with 2 quart bags full of chopped ham.
{This will make a yummy pot of ham & beans later}.


On Monday, we had delicious ham sandwiches for lunch.


On Tuesday evening, we had a big pot of ham & beans ...
along with cornbread, fried potatoes & wilted lettuce salad.
By simmering it with the ham bone, it had lots of extra flavor.


On Wednesday night, I finished off the ham by making a big pot of Corn Chowder with Potatoes & Ham.
I made a cheeseball & baked some sweet cornbread to serve with it.


And, to top it off, there was left-overs of the ham & beans
AND the corn chowder which we enjoyed for lunches the following days.


And that is how you stretch a buck ... & get the most out of a 20 lb ham!


Here's my recipe for
Corn Chowder with Potatoes & Ham


1 med. onion, chopped
6-8 med. potatoes, peeled & diced
1 carrot, peeled & diced
2 cups ham, cubed
2 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. garlic, chopped
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can chicken broth
4 c. milk
salt & pepper




In large kettle, saute onion in 2 Tbsp. of butter over med. heat.
When onions are softened, add in potatoes & carrots, tossing to coat.
Sprinkle in salt & pepper {to taste}.
Saute for 5-8 minutes, just for potatoes to begin to brown a bit.
Add garlic, ham, corn & chicken broth.
Simmer for approx. 20 minutes.
Pour in milk & reduce heat to low for an addtl 20 minutes or until ready to serve.


Garnish w/shredded cheese & diced green onions.
Serve w/cornbread, crackers, or croutons.