I spent the loveliest afternoon with Kathy (Hardenbrook) Scroger and Mary Ellen (Hardenbrook) Seaman at the Morton Baptist Church. We three cousins made a Hardenbrook family Christmas morning tradition…ham loaf! After obtaining the ground ham and pork from the Alabama Holley Farm Market, these two ladies put together a true Kendall treat! The ham loaf, cooked on a low oven, then christened with a sweet and savory glaze was a new sensory adventure for me. The pork cuts the salt of the ham. The glaze adds just enough depth of flavor to leave you begging for more. No wonder this recipe has been in the family for seventy years!

(Makes 2 – 9×13” pans)

Combine in a large bowl:

5-1/4 lb Ground Ham*
3 lb Ground Pork*
6 cups saltine cracker crumbs (1-16 oz pkg)
1-1/2 cups whole milk
9 beaten eggs
2-3 Tbsp catsup

Bake at 300’ for 2 hours

During the last ½ hour, baste with:
1-1/2 cups brown sugar
6 tsp. ground mustard
Apple cider vinegar to moisten

Sprinkle on top.

***The Hardenbrooks order their meat from the Alabama Holley Farm Market. If you ask for ham loaf ingredients, they will know just what to do!****

Enjoy!