Buzz
As a child, Thanksgiving was never a small gathering. My mother, being the eldest of seven siblings, ensured it was always lively. If we didn’t travel to Mississippi to join her side of the family, we’d spend the holiday with the Kavons, who brought the turkey, while my mom made the ham. The kid count would soar to seven (all hungry, mostly adolescent girls), and we’d finish the day with one of those scripted murder mystery games.
Like many things from my childhood, I didn’t realize that not every family served both a turkey and a ham. However, I believe it’s a tradition that every family should embrace, especially if your household is large (and of course, if they eat pork). The benefits of this approach are clear, but let me still make my case.
A ham is incredibly easy to prepare and make flavorful
Sure, you can make a turkey that tastes good, but it requires planning, butchery, and attention. A ham, which comes pre-cooked, demands far less effort. Unlike the lean turkey meat (which is far from ideal), a ham is made from rich, salty, cured pork (one of the finest meats). From the start, we’re off to a better beginning. Since a ham is already cooked and tasty, the only thing you need to do is heat it to 130℉, which can easily be done in a slow cooker, sous vide method, or the trusty oven. A ham is much more low-maintenance than a turkey, leaving you with more time and hands to make those mashed potatoes and corn casserole.
Variety is always a good thing
If you're anything like me, you're always a little concerned about running out of food, even though it’s never happened. That fear is so intense it lingers in the back of your mind, pushing you to cook more than you probably should on any given holiday. (Also terrifying: preparing the *exact* right amount of food so that there are no leftovers.) Adding a ham, which is incredibly simple to prepare and more delicious than turkey, allows you to cook a smaller turkey while still ensuring plenty of leftovers. This means your turkey will cook faster and more evenly, reducing the chances of a Thanksgiving meltdown. (My ultimate goal is for none of you to shed tears over food on Thanksgiving.) Ham also adds a wonderfully salty flavor, perfect for balancing out all the creamy, starchy dishes on the table.
It's what everyone really wants
Aside from my dad and perhaps a few other dads, not many people truly enjoy turkey. If you loved turkey that much, you’d probably cook turkey thighs or breasts throughout the year. (If you're typing “I REALLY DO LIKE TURKEY” in the comments, take a moment to reflect—you might just find you're someone’s father.) People need turkey for the tradition and the nostalgia, but what they secretly crave (but won’t ask for) is a savory, fatty, cured, and glazed ham because, once again, it just tastes better. And let’s not forget about the leftovers—a ham slice immediately elevates any sandwich or breakfast scramble. Plus, the ham bone is perfect for making various soups or adding to a pot of beans, enriching them with rich pork flavor. But it’s not only beans that will get infused with that porky goodness; a ham will enrich your entire Thanksgiving with its flavor. As Queen Ina once said, 'how bad could that be?'
