Lunch: Mustard Glazed Baked Ham and Pimento Cheese Biscuits

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Mustard Glazed Baked Ham and Pimento Cheese Biscuits

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1/2 ready-to-eat, cooked ham, bone-in, uncut (NOT spiral cut), shank end or butt end (about 8 pounds)
25 cloves
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons clover honey
3 tablespoons light brown muscovado sugar
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pimento Cheese, recipe follows
Buttermilk Biscuits, recipe follows

Instructions

Remove the ham from the refrigerator 2 hours before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a roasting pan with foil. Place the ham, fattier side-up, in the prepared pan. Score a diamond pattern in the fat with a sharp knife, about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch deep, and the parallel lines about 1 1/2-inches apart. Do not score the meat itself, just the fat and any skin. You can score the fat to as deep as where the fat meets the meat. Place the cloves in the center of the diamonds to form a nice pattern around the top and sides of the ham. Place the ham in the oven. Cook for 30 minutes. Combine the mustard, honey, sugar and thyme and season with salt and pepper. After 30 minutes, begin basting the ham with the glaze. Continue to cook the ham for another 30 minutes (about 10 minutes per pound) or until an internal temperature of 110 to 120 degrees F is reached. Remove the ham from the oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Slice into paper thin slices. To serve, spread Pimento Cheese on the bottom of the Buttermilk Biscuits and layer with thin slices of glazed ham.
Combine the cheese, mayonnaise, roasted red peppers, cayenne powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with butter or line with parchment paper. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Combine until the ingredients are incorporated. Cut in the butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the buttermilk and gently mix until the mixture just begins to come together. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured counter. Pat the dough into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 2-inch squares or use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out biscuits. Press together the scraps of dough, and repeat the process. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with cream and sprinkle with the black pepper. Bake the biscuits until lightly golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Brush the tops with the melted butter. Cool on a baking rack.

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