Honey Ham Slice

not my picture but this ham looks just as tasty as
the one I make.

If you haven't already noticed a theme in a lot of the things I like to cook, I tend to go for things that are quick and easy.  While I do enjoy a challenge of trying new and more complex dishes, my everyday favorites are usually ones I know by heart so they aren't too complex.  This is something my mom always made because from the time you start to the time it's served it usually only about 10 minutes.  She's always been a no muss no fuss kind of cook, but this is always delicious.  I usually don't measure out the ingredients, but for this I tried my best to guess how much I use.  I love serving this ham with good old Velveeta mac and cheese since the sauce it created from the ham juices and other stuff tastes great with the cheese. 

Honey Ham Slice

about 1 pound ham slice (the kind with the bone in the middle)
2 Tbl light brown sugar, divided
1 Tbl honey, divided
1 tsp ground mustard, divided

Heat a non stick skillet to just below medium high heat.  As the skillet heats sprinkle half of the brown sugar, honey, and ground mustard in the pan, then place the ham and most of it's juices  over the seasoning.  Let the ham simmer for about 5 minutes.  Meanwhile, poke some holes in the ham with a fork as it cooks to help it absorb the flavors.  Sprinkle the rest of the seasoning on top of the ham.  After first side cooks, flip over and cook another 5 minutes.  Remove to a serving plate to cut into portions (remember, never use a metal knife, or any metal utensil, on non stick pans) don't forget the juice in the pan and pour a little over each portion. 

Serve With: Velveeta Style Mac and Cheese (using the Kraft kind just isn't the same)

Vin Chaud (French)

I tried this delicious drink for the first time when I was in Amsterdam.  There it is called gluhwein, and it is also a popular winter drink in France, and really most of Europe.  Traditionally it's made of red wine, but you can also do it with white wine, apple cider, or apple juice for those who prefer no alcohol.  Even if you don't like wine a whole lot you might like this since you add various fruits and spices to the drink.  My recipe is a variation of one from Ina Garten from the Food Network.

I found the original recipe had too much apple cider in it and sweetened it just a little too much.  If you don't want to buy all the spices separately you can also use a premixed mulling spice mix.  You might just need to still add the star anise and juniper berries.  Most just heat this drink up in a pot, but you could also do it in a crock pot to keep it warm for a party. Just don't let it come to a full boil or the alcohol will start to cook off. There are many ways to make this yummy hot treat, so feel free to add or take away whatever things you think you might like.  Maybe experiment with different fruit or add some juices.  Some recipes even like to put slivered almonds in their wine.  If you find a new combo you like, please share it in the comments section so we can all try it : )

Vin Chaud (Hot Spiced Wine, aka Mulled Wine)

750 ml sweet red wine (1 bottle, Cabernet Sauvignon is good)
2 cups apple cider or juice
1/4 cup honey

Juice and zest of 1 orange
2 cinnamon sticks
3 star anise
4 whole cloves
1 Tablespoon juniper berries
1/2 tsp pure vanilla
1/3 cup cognac (optional)  
                                                                                  
Mix all ingredients in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over a medium heat. Do not allow the wine to boil or else the alcohol will cook out of the wine. The mulled wine is hot enough when the sugar has dissolved. If desired, add the Cognac to the saucepan when the sugar has dissolved and ladle the mulled wine through a tea strainer (or colander) into punch cups, mugs or other serving dish.

Note:  If you want you can also do something fun for putting cloves in the wine.  Take a small orange or clementine and then stick the orange skin with a knife and poke the end of the clove into the hole so the bulb part is showing.  You can have fun with it and make designs or just do them randomly.  Some people even like to wrap ribbon around the orange and use them as ornaments.