Best way to cook a ham?

Bought a beautiful joint of ham, but not sure of the best way to cook it.

My mum used to just cover and boil it, throwing the first lot of water away, and skimming the second.

I can't for the life of me remember if she added anything.

Suggestions or recommendations welcome

Well I think it depends on how salty you think the ham is and whether you like the salty taste.

You can roast it, the same as you would a normal joint, but that won't get rid of the salt, so the salt can be too strong.

Boiling as your Mum used to, changing the water part way through is the best way to make sure it's not that salty. Personally I wouldn't add anything.

What I was thinking of trying (but never got round to it) is to boil it for awhile to remove some of the salt and then roast it in cider vinegar and honey.

(wishing I'd bought a ham now!)

Thanks Fiona. Sadly, honey is out for me, and I don't have any cider. Jamie Oliver also says boil then roast...... so I may give it a go

I boil mine for 20 minutes for every pound in weight plus 20 mins more.
I never change the water, but it will probably need skimming once it has come to the boil.
Enjoy!

I expect you have already cooked it by now Vicki
I am just about to cook a ham, I also bring it to the boil then throw away the water.
To the second water I add a bay leaf/6 peppercorns/a celery stick broken in half and a few sprigs of parsley (or the stalks if I have used the parsley for anything else) . Once the ham has simmered for the required time (as stated by Nippy) leave it to cool in the water, this makes it moist .

You don't have to glaze and roast it, this can actually make it dry it is fine as it is.

I boil mine in a cheap bottle of coke. thats lovely!

Our friend does that and it is lovely never tried doing it myself though just incase it went wrong.

I either boil it or Christmas day I roasted it on its own sometimes I put honey, honey and mustard paste or garlic to flavour it abit.
Making me hungrey now.

Thanks guys.... I think boiling in coke is a Nigella thing.... sadly, I can't do that either.

Anyhoo, I just boiled it for 20 minutes a pound plus 20 minutes. I changed the water once, and didn't need to skim it at all.

It was (and still is) delicious and I don't think there'll be any wastage, thanks to three very keen shibas. Luckily, Baz is sharing it with them