Expert: Keith Patton - 12/11/2008

Question
what do you prefer to marinate, or how should i prepare a 10lb or so fresh ham?

Answer
Chad:

If the meat is from a sow or young boar, then it should not have any boar taint so should not require any marinading.

A quick and easy method that produces good results is to cook it in foil. Sear the ham or shoulder on the grill.  Have two layers of aluminum foil laid out.  Place the seared meat on the foil and slather your favorite BBQ sauce on it and chop two onions to 1/2 inch pieces.  Pile them over the meat and seal up the foil.  The top should be sealed with a butchers fold.  match the two edges up above the meat making an envelop then fold the edges together down about two or three folds.  This makes a liquid and steam tight seal. Press it flat over the meat tnen seal the ends the same way.  Place on the grill.  If you have a covered grill so much the better.  Place it on one end and have the heat on on the other and cook for several hours at a moderate heat around 200-250F until the internal temperature is at least 160 near the bone in the thick end.  This will take 3-4 hours or more so start it early or make it an all day affair with plenty of beer and invite your buds over to help out. Great idea for a football sunday.  Put it on in the morning and it should be ready about second quarter of the first game.

Cheers

Keith