To Boil a Ham

To Boil a Ham
One 3- to 5-pound smoked ham
2 bay leaves
2 carrots, sliced
1 large or 2 medium onions, quartered
4 whole cloves
4 cloves of garlic
Small bunch of fresh parsley
Small bunch of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon ground)
2 ribs celery, chopped
Half bottle white wine
If not done already, score the rind of the ham to allow the flavors to permeate the meat. Put ham in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add bay leaves, carrots, onions, cloves, garlic, parsley, thyme, celery and wine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 3-5 hours until the ham is very tender.
Remove ham from liquid; slice and serve.
Serves 12 to 20.
Cook?s notes: This is a terrific make ahead dish and makes great meat for sandwiches. The flavor improves if you can refrigerate the ham in the cooking liquid for a day or two before serving.
Nutrition values per serving: 278 calo-ries, 11 g fat, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 42 g protein, 98 mg cholesterol, 2,865 mg sodium.
September 1867 (2001 Farm Prog-ress)