Are you tired of the same old ham sandwiches and omelettes? Well, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test and give that leftover holiday ham a makeover! Here are six smart and sassy ways to jazz up your ham leftovers:
Ham-tastic Breakfast Burritos
Rise and shine, amigos! Start your day off right with some mouthwatering breakfast burritos. Simply scramble some eggs, toss in chunks of leftover ham, sprinkle on some cheese (queso fresco for an authentic touch), wrap it all up in a warm tortilla, and voila! You’ve got yourself a fiesta in every bite.
Havana-style Ham Croquettes
If you’re feeling fancy but don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen, these Havana-style ham croquettes are just what you need. Mix together mashed potatoes, diced ham, minced onions, garlic powder (or fresh if you’re feeling extra saucy), roll ’em into little balls or logs (whatever floats your boat), coat ’em in breadcrumbs or crushed plantain chips for that Cuban twist, then fry until golden brown. Serve them up as appetizers at your next shindig or keep them all to yourself – we won’t judge!
Picadillo Pizza Party
Who says pizza can’t be adventurous? Take that boring ol’ dough base and top it with a generous layer of tomato sauce mixed with sofrito (a traditional Cuban seasoning blend). Sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella cheese like confetti at Carnaval before scattering slices of leftover holiday ham all over. Add any other toppings that tickle your taste buds – olives? Peppers? Pineapple even? It’s your pizza party, so go wild!
Ham and Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas are like little pockets of happiness, and when you fill them with leftover holiday ham and cheese, they become pure bliss. Whip up a simple dough using flour, butter (or lard if you’re feeling indulgent), salt, and water. Roll out the dough into circles or squares (again, it’s your call), place a dollop of diced ham and shredded cheese in the center of each piece, fold ’em over to make half-moons or rectangles (we don’t discriminate), seal the edges with a fork or your fingertips (channel your inner abuelita), then bake until golden brown. Serve these caliente treats as appetizers or enjoy them as a meal – either way, they’ll have you saying “¡Que rico!”
Cuban Ham Fried Rice
Rice is life in Cuba, so why not give it an extra kick by adding some leftover holiday ham? Heat up some oil in a wok or large skillet (bonus points if it’s cast iron for that authentic touch) and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in cooked rice – preferably day-old rice for that perfect texture – along with diced ham, frozen peas (because veggies are important too!), soy sauce (or tamari if you want to keep things gluten-free), scrambled eggs for added protein power, and any other seasonings that tickle your fancy. Stir-fry everything together until heated through and serve this flavor-packed dish alongside some platanitos maduros.
A Sweet Finale: Ham-infused Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
We couldn’t forget about dessert! Take that classic pineapple upside-down cake recipe to new heights by incorporating bits of leftover holiday ham. Arrange pineapple rings on the bottom of a cake pan, sprinkle on some brown sugar (because life is sweeter that way), and dot the spaces in between with diced ham for a surprising twist. Pour your favorite cake batter over this tropical masterpiece and bake until golden and irresistible. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream – trust us, you won’t be able to resist seconds!
In conclusion,
Leftover holiday ham doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. With these six smart and sassy ideas, you can transform your leftovers into culinary masterpieces that will make your taste buds dance the salsa. So put on your chef hat, grab that apron, and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with your creativity!
