Bring that bone home. Put it in a pot with water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Simmer for two hours. Your kitchen will smell like a hug.
Now you have ham stock. Use it for red beans and rice. Use it for collard greens. Use it for lentil soup. Your ancestors will weep with joy.
And yes, you can give the bare bone to your dog afterwards. But only after you’ve sucked every last bit of flavor out. No sharing until you’re done, Fido.
One Weird Trick
Here’s a fun detail: Some people freeze their ham bone for months. It keeps forever. Your future self will thank you.
Imagine it’s July. It’s 95 degrees outside. You pull a Honey Baked Ham bone from the freezer. You make soup anyway, because you’re defiant and dreamy.
That’s the power of the humble ham bone. It’s a time machine to cozy days.
