Mastering the Art of Baking Purefoods Fiesta Ham to Sweet, Savory Perfection

Celebrations in the Philippines aren’t complete without the iconic Purefoods Fiesta ham sitting proudly at the center of the table. This specialty ham combines sweet pineapple and smoky, salty pork flavors to create a taste that’s uniquely Filipino While Fiesta ham often makes appearances during the holidays, its versatility makes it welcome all year round.

However, cooking this Filipino favorite can seem daunting for newbie cooks. Have no fear! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through foolproof techniques for oven-baking Purefoods Fiesta ham to juicy, glistening perfection. With these tips, you’ll gain confidence serving up this local treasure to impress family and friends. Let’s get started!

Selecting Your Purefoods Fiesta Ham

Purefoods offers Fiesta ham in a few convenient forms

• Bone-in half ham
• Boneless roll
• Presliced portions

For impressively easy carving, go for the boneless roll which can simply be sliced into rounds. Or choose a classic bone-in half ham for the best bold pork flavor.

Inspect your ham to ensure it looks moist and smells fresh with no off odors. Also, check the sell-by date for optimal freshness. Once you’ve selected your ham, it’s time to prep for oven baking.

Pre-Baking Prep Tips

Proper prep is key to even cooking and maximum flavor absorption:

• Thaw frozen ham overnight in the fridge
• Use a sharp knife to score the fatty outer layer in a diamond pattern – this helps the glaze adhere.
• Pat the ham dry with paper towels
• Set ham flat-side down in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil

With these simple steps, your ham is ready for the oven!

Calculating Cook Times

To ensure perfect doneness, calculate oven cook times as follows:

• Bone-in half ham:

  • Uncooked – 18-22 minutes per lb at 325°F
  • Pre-cooked – 10-12 minutes per lb at 325°F

• Boneless roll:

  • 15-18 minutes per lb at 325°F

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temp reaches 140°F. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Oven Baking Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for flawlessly baked Purefoods Fiesta ham:

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Place ham cut-side down in a foil-lined roasting pan. Tent loosely with more foil.
• Bake according to weight and prep time calculated above.
• After half the bake time, remove foil and brush with a third of glaze (recipe below).
• For the last 15 minutes of baking, apply another layer of glaze.
• Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze, and let rest 10-15 minutes.
• Carve into slices and serve. Easy!

Low and slow oven baking is key for ultimate juiciness and tenderness.

Crafting the Perfect Sweet and Savory Glaze

No Fiesta ham is complete without a deliciously sticky glaze. Mix up one of these easy 4-ingredient glazes:

Sweet Pineapple Glaze

• 1 cup pineapple preserves
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ground cloves

Savory Garlic Glaze

• 1 cup peach or apricot jam
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1⁄2 tsp cracked black pepper

Apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of oven baking for irresistible flavor and caramelized shine.

Handy Serving and Carving Tips

To make the ham shine at your holiday table or fiesta:

• Garnish with pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, or fresh herb sprigs
• Set out sauces like sweet chili or plum for dipping
• Carve across the grain into thin, even slices
• Pair with classic Filipino sides like pansit noodles, lumpia, and steamed rice

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate carved ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freeze extra ham in portions for longer storage. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cooking Purefoods Fiesta Ham to Sweet, Savory Perfection

We hope these tips give you confidence to bake Purefoods Fiesta ham for your next celebration. Drizzled with a glistening glaze and crowned with pineapple, this Filipino treat is sure to be the star of your holiday table. Sinking your teeth into tender, juicy ham and tasting the interplay of smoky, salty and sweet flavors is a true delight. Master this classic and your guests will be begging for your ham recipe!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Purefoods Fiesta ham? Share your recipes and serving tips in the comments!