Savannah Country Ham Simmered in Beer

This ham is simmered in beer before it is baked. Begin preparing the ham 2 days in advance to allow time to soak the ham in water before cooking it to remove excess salt.

• Ready In: 52 hrs
• Serves: 20-25

Ingredients

• 1 (12 -15 lb)  uncooked country ham (such as Smithfield or Edwards)
• 20  cups  brewed chilled black tea
• 6 (12 ounce) bottles beer (lager or bock)
• 1⁄2 cup blackstrap molasses
• 1⁄2 cup  packed dark brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup Dijon mustard

Directions

1. 2 Days in Advance:.
2. Rinse ham and use a firm kitchen brush to scrub the meat's surface. Transfer ham to a 5-gallon stockpot and cover with cold water. Refrigerate ham in water for 24 hours, changing water every 8 hours.
3. 1 Day in Advance:.
4. Drain ham and return to stockpot. Add tea and enough water to cover. Soak for 24 hours.
5. 4 Hours Before Serving:.
6. Drain ham; return to stockpot. Add beer and enough water to cover; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until a small knife inserted in the thickest part of the ham slides easily in and out, about 3 1/2 hours.
7. Heat oven to 400°F.
8. Drain ham, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
9. Trim skin and fat; transfer ham to a rack set inside a roasting pan. Whisk together reserved cooking liquid, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard to make a glaze; brush ham with some glaze. Bake ham, occasionally brushing with glaze, until glossy, 15-20 minutes. Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.