Ham Steaks and Gravy in the Crockpot
Fresh Ham Steaks and Gravy in the crock pot
Perfect for the crock pot or other slow cooker.
Ingredients
• 1 Whatley Farm organic fresh Ham Steak, cut into 2 pieces. Our ham steaks are large and equal 2 store-bought steaks
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 6 Tbsp flour (or equivalent gluten-free thickener - see this article in Bon Appetit for suggestions)
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock – preferably homemade
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1 Tbsp "Rosemary's Italian Blend" from Gryffon Ridge Spice Merchants
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, roughly chopped – or use dried mushrooms and rehydrate
Recipe
1. If you are using dried mushrooms, rehydrate in enough warm water to cover, until tender.
2. Warm the chicken stock.
3. In a large saute pan, melt the butter. Add flour and stir together. Cook on low, stirring constantly, until slightly golden. Slowly pour in the warmed stock, whisking to smooth out the lumps, until mixture is nice and thick.
4. Add remaining ingredients – salt, pepper, chives, parsley, garlic, mushrooms. Stir sauce until well mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Pour a little sauce into crock pot, place one piece of ham steak in crock pot, pour half of sauce over it, place second piece of steak in, pour remaining sauce.
6. Cook for at least 4 hours on high. It is done when the meat is tender and falls apart in large chunks. If you double this recipe you will need to increase the cooking time, as the bulk in the crock pot will slow down the cooking a bit.
Munich Beer Radish Snack-a-tizers
So, we would like to reveal what everyone wants to know - why is the Munich Beer Radish called a "Beer" radish?
The Munich Beer radish is a fairly pungent specimen, and therefore it cuts through strong flavors - like beer and cheese - and complements them very well. Here you can see them paired with a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, some Gouda and Tomme from Balfour Farm, and a hearty, seed-packed loaf from Zu Bakery.
Munich Beer Radishes go well with pretty much any of the cheeses from our local cheesemakers (in addition to Balfour try Winter Hill Farm , Spring Day Creamery, and Swallowtail Farm and Creamery at the Brunswick Winter Market, and Imagine Dairy Farm (through the Market Cafe) and Tourmaline Hill Farm at the Midcoast Winter Farmers' Market).
It is also easy to go gluten-free - thin slices of Munich Beer Radish work perfectly well as crackers on their own! And instead of cheese you could substitute another rich spread, like olive or mushroom tapenade, or roasted red pepper dip.
See Nick, below, demonstrate proper enjoyment of the Munich Beer Radish!
