Easter Ham: The Essential Brunch Centerpiece

DES MOINES, Iowa, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's not Easter brunch unless there's ham on the table. The classic roast ham anchors Easter celebrations, providing a show-stopping centerpiece and ample leftovers to enjoy for days after the occasion.  This spring, the National Pork Board brings a dose of sophistication to the must-have ham with surprisingly simple recipes and tips that will inspire elegant and festive gatherings all season long.

"Thanks to its versatility and ease of preparation, ham is a perfect canvas for experimenting with flavorful twists for a truly memorable brunch or any occasion," said Pamela Johnson, Director of Consumer Communications for the National Pork Board. "To impress your guests, think past basic recipes. Try a new rub or glaze to enjoy your Easter ham in delicious new ways. Or, enjoy ham in a rustic tart or as a savory addition to veggie-based sides."

Inspired flavor combinations and creative accompaniments perk up the classic Easter ham in new recipes like Thyme-Basted Ham with Roasted Grapes. Whole roasted green and red grapes add a sweet, juicy twist to this aromatic roast, which takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. Round out the feast with Ham and Peas with Mint and Tarragon for plates that pop with bright color and fresh seasonal flavor. Or, for a simply elegant brunch, try a Ham, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion Tart, with balanced notes of sweet onion, savory ham, flaky crust and a rich egg base.

Build a Better Ham Sandwich
According to National Pork Board trend data, ham is America's most popular lunchmeat, amounting to 16 percent of all sandwiches eaten at home. For Easter leftovers, think beyond the classic ham and cheese with these delicious takes:

• Ham and Brie Baguettes: For a French-inspired lunch, cut open a baguette and fill it with sliced ham, creamy Brie, mixed greens, and a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard.
• Ham Reuben: Make your ham sandwich corner-deli style! Combine sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread.  Try grilling it for a flavorful twist on this classic.
• Ham, Cheddar, and Chutney Quesadillas: For a new take on ham and cheese, fill a quesadilla with sliced ham, shredded Cheddar, and store-bought chutney and heat through until cheddar is melted.

Ham-A-Day Giveaway
For a chance to win an Easter ham for this year's celebration, visit PorkBeInspired.com or Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired between March 23 and April 6 and share how you will be enjoying ham this Easter.

For more information on the Ham-A-Day Giveaway, Easter recipes, FREE brochures, and how-to carving videos, visit PorkBeInspired.com. Be sure to "like" us at Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired and follow us @allaboutpork and on Pinterest.com/PorkBeInspired.

About The National Pork Board
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.

SOURCE National Pork Board