Making ham without pork is a great alternative for those who avoid pork for dietary, religious, or personal reasons. You can create a delicious "ham" using turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ingredients. Here's a recipe for turkey ham:
### Turkey Ham Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 2 pounds turkey breast
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
### Instructions:
#### Preparing the Turkey:
1. **Brine the Turkey (Optional but recommended):**
- Brine the turkey breast in a solution of 4 cups water, 1/4 cup salt, and 1/4 cup sugar for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Rinse the turkey breast thoroughly after brining and pat dry with paper towels.
2. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
#### Making the Glaze:
1. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- If using, add the pineapple juice to the glaze mixture for extra flavor.
#### Roasting the Turkey:
1. **Prepare the Turkey:**
- Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan.
- Brush the turkey breast generously with the glaze mixture.
2. **Roast the Turkey:**
- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with the glaze every 30 minutes.
3. **Finishing the Turkey:**
- Remove the aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of roasting to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a nice crust on the turkey.
#### Slicing and Serving:
1. **Rest the Turkey:**
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
2. **Slice and Serve:**
- Slice the turkey breast thinly, similar to traditional ham slices.
- Serve warm or cold, as desired.
Enjoy your homemade turkey ham as a main dish, in sandwiches, or as part of a delicious breakfast spread!
