Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A ham hock is a really economical cut of meat to cook and most butchers these days can't give them away. One of the best I've eaten is from Richardson's Smokehouse in the Suffolk village of Orford. They smoke them until they're almost burnt and then douse them with local honey and mustard. If you can't buy a pre-smoked ham hock, unsmoked will do, or just use a piece of raw smoked ham. Once cooked, it will last a few days in the fridge or as a part of a cold feast.
2 smoked ham hocks weighing about 1kg each
1 litre medium cider
2 onions, peeled and halved
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
1tsp black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs of thyme
2tbsp grain mustard
4-5tbsp clear honey
2tbsp brown sugar
Soak the ham hocks overnight in cold water then rinse them. Put them into a large saucepan with the cider, onions, carrots, peppercorns, bay leaf and thyme and add water to cover them well. Bring to the boil and simmer for 2-21/2 hours, topping up with water if necessary until the meat is tender and almost coming away from the bone. Drain and leave to cool a little. Reserve the cooking liquor for a soup or broth.
Pre-heat the oven to 180C/Gas mark 5. Mix together the honey, mustard and sugar. Put the hocks into a roasting tray lined with foil and spread them with the honey and mustard. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour, basting every 15 minutes or so until they are caramelised. Serve as a hot main course or sliced cold.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments