How is a pre-cooked ham finished?
Since baking a pre-cooked ham is primarily about re-heating and adding flavor, the process almost always includes adding a flavorful glaze. Glazes usually include some sugar and can be made with pineapple juice, cider, pomegranate juice, the syrup from a can of peaches, or even a can of Coca Cola or Dr. Pepper. If you use this type of sweet glaze, don’t add it until the last hour or so of cooking or else it can burn. When re-heating a pre-cooked ham, it should be heated until the internal temperature reaches about 140 ºF, a level that will protect against any bacteria, although because it has been pre-cooked, there should be little to no risk of bacteria. When buying a pre-cooked ham, avoid ones that have added water. If a label says that water has been added, the ham may include as much as 35% water. Save the ham bone to flavor a split pea soup and if possible, save a few pieces of the meat to add to the soup.
