DIY Traditional Easter Ham and Lamb

Traditional meals prepared by the loving hands of a grandmother, a father or mother, a sister, or a friend mark the memory of a holiday. A savory roast lamb, sweet smoked ham, buttery mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, hot cross buns; all of the wonderful sights, flavors, and smells we think of at Easter time come to mind now.

Continue those traditions, recreate memories, and make new ones for your children; celebrate the holiday with a home prepared, traditional roast of ham or lamb.

The steps to cook either are easier than you think, and the taste, exceptional.

Cooking the Perfect Ham Roast

• Score the ham surface with diamonds, inserting cloves at each diamond center.
• Bake with the cut side down in a shallow roasting pan, uncovered.
• Bake at 325°F. Baking low and slow will help keep the meat tender and moist.
• Figure the bake time to be about 15-20 minutes/pound. 
• Dress with a glaze of honey, pineapple, brown sugar, and/or mustard (or however your Grandma used to do it).
• Cook ham until the internal temp reaches 145°F.

Cooking the Perfect Lamb Roast

• Score the leg lamb surface every few inches.
• Slice garlic and set into the scored slits.
• Season generously with salt and pepper all around and set fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme under and on top of the roast.
• Roast in pan at 350°F for 1.5 - 2 hours.
• Cook until internal temperature reads 135°F.
• Let rest, tented under foil another 10-15 minutes before serving. Temperature should rise to 145°F.
• Slice against the grain to serve.