This kind of supper is made for busy fall days when you want the house to smell wonderful and dinner to be fully handled long before everyone gathers at the table. A smoked ham shank turns tender and deeply savory in the slow cooker, and with just two pantry-style additions, it makes a rich, comforting meal with almost no hands-on work at all.
Serve this ham over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice to catch every bit of the sauce. It also pairs nicely with simple green beans, roasted carrots, braised cabbage, or warm dinner rolls, and a crisp apple salad on the side makes the whole meal feel especially fitting for an early autumn evening.
September Eve Comfort
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 smoked ham shank, about 3 to 4 pounds
Directions
1. Place the smoked ham shank in the slow cooker. Spoon the apple butter over the top and pour the apple cider around the sides.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the ham is very tender and the glaze is deepened and glossy.
3. Carefully transfer the ham shank to a serving platter, spoon some of the cooking glaze over the top, and pull or slice the meat to serve.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter finish: If your family likes a sweeter ham, use a little extra apple butter and baste the top once or twice during the last hour of cooking.
For an easy onion addition: A sliced onion can be tucked under the ham shank for extra flavor. It is not necessary, but it melts down nicely into the sauce if you want a fuller pan gravy feel.
For picky eaters: Shred the ham into smaller pieces and spoon a bit of the glaze over it before serving. That makes it easier to portion over noodles or potatoes for children and anyone who prefers softer, bite-size pieces.
For storing and reheating: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the meat with some of the glaze so it stays moist, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
