From a Center-of-the-Table Feast to Bourbon Ham Balls; Ham Fits Every Holiday Occasion

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Preparing a delicious ham this holiday season will be easy and stress-free knowing that ham experts are on standby at the Ham Hotline to help assure every bite turns out perfectly, from tangy ham appetizers to a welcome ham dinner.

The Kentucky Legend Ham Hotline at 1-866-343-5058 is open from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday, from November 8 through December 28. Ham experts will be on hand to field questions and offer tips to make it easy for anyone to prepare and serve the perfect ham.

Launched in response to the many calls received regarding ham preparation, the Ham Hotline is the first and only seasonal hotline dedicated to just ham. Each fall and spring the hotline ramps up to field questions that range from the practical to the unusual, including:

    --  How much ham should I buy to feed 10 people? If the ham is boneless,
        estimate one-quarter to one-third pound per person; for a bone-in ham,
        one-third to one-half pound per person.

    --  How long will leftover ham keep in the refrigerator?Wrap leftover ham
        tightly and store for up to three days in the refrigerator.

    --  How can I be sure my ham will turn out moist?Most hams are pre-cooked
        (read the label) and require only gentle reheating at 325 degrees F to
        an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.  Place a pan of water on an
        oven rack to increase humidity.

    --  What is a good wine to serve with ham?A white wine such as a Sauvignon
        Blanc would be a good pairing.

For a chance to win one of 100 free hams this holiday season, consumers can visit the Specialty Foods Group Face Book page at www.facebook.com/SpecialtyFoodsGroup. To find creative ways to use ham leftovers in recipes such as bourbon ham ball appetizers, ham tacos and chunky ham and potato soup, visit www.specialtyfoodsgroup.com.