Christmas Eve: the most magical time of the year. I don’t care whether you are 1 or 100, something about Christmas Eve makes you feel like there are twinkle lights in your soul. Growing up, Christmas Eve was always the real party. All of my aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, family friends, etc. would get together and go to the town parade. When we arrived back at my aunt’s house, there was always a giant red velvet bag waiting on the front steps. SANTA CAME! He stopped by while we were at the parade to bring us all an early gift; one present we could open that night before he brought the rest of them while we slept. Even as I got older, this feeling never left me. We now celebrate on Christmas Day with everyone, but the magic is always there as I drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve (even at 27!).
One of the most important things that I learned during all of those nights was that being together was the real gift. Sure, that Britney Spears CD made me scream and jump up and down, but i nearly forgot about it after breaking out my aunt’s hair spray and lipstick and giving her the ugliest makeover ever. We were all so happy to just be together. And to this day, that is still how we are. Being together means everything to us. So this Holiday, I urge you to spend time with the people you love, and make memories. I hope that the meals I share on this blog can help you do that, because there is nothing better than pulling that extra sleeve out to seat a few more at the table!
There are two occasions during the year that I glorify ham. One is Easter, and the other is Christmas. It’s so easy, and such a crowd pleaser; you can make it super savory, or super sweet; the choice you have for sides is literally never-ending. This slow cooker ham is extremely simple so that you can enjoy your day with the people that matter, not in the kitchen. All we need is a ham – precooked and presliced (sized to feed the crowd you are expecting, I used a 3 lb.), one whole package of brown sugar (16 oz.), and one 20 oz. can of pineapple chunks.
Layer about ⅓ – ½ of the brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker. I just want to pause here, close my eyes, and think about the brown sugar caramelizing once it gets nice and hot… give me a moment… okay, I’m back. Place the ham on top of the brown sugar, pour the pineapple chunks, with juice, over the ham. I like to split open a couple of slices so that some chunks can sit in them, I don’t want all of that flavor only at the bottom.
Now take the rest of the brown sugar and sprinkle it over the top. But wait, THERE’S MORE! Don’t just sprinkle it. Massage it. Treat it like a rub on a pork shoulder and really get that sugar stuck to every part of the ham. Don’t forget the sides. I’m talking serious flavor here. Again, just close your eyes… caramelization… yes. Now your with me.
The only hard part about a precooked ham is not drying it out. Since it is already fully cooked, we are really only warming everything up so that the flavors are able to develop together. For the size ham I have, only about two hours is fine. Stick with your gut on this one. There’s nothing worse than dry ham. Since I was only making this for dinner, I served it with rice and a salad. However, the options are totally there for you. Think brown sugar carrots (mmm), garlicky mashed potatoes (a-huh), even cooked to death green beans (YES!).
I hope that you try your hand at slow cooker ham (you can do it, I promise), and share your experience in the comments with me! You can also tag me on instagram @anaspiringhousewf .
But, most of all, I hope that even for just a moment you are able to find that childish excitement you once knew. I hope that you let it take control for just one day, one night, and let it fill your heart with joy.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
- Precoocked, presliced Ham (I used 3lbs., but choose something appropriate for your guest list)
- Brown Sugar, 16 oz.
- Pineapple Chunks, 20 oz. can
- Layer about half of the brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker
- Place the ham on top
- Pour the pineapple chunks over the ham, and spread the remaining brown sugar over the top of everything
- Cook on LOW for only about 2 - 3 hours, depending on the size of the ham (remember: you are only warming everything together, don't dry it out!)