God Bless HAM-merica: HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville & The True Meaning of Memorial Day

If you were asked what Memorial Day was about, what would your answer be (don't worry, many of us would be uncertain of our response)?

Most of us may simply say Memorial Day is a three-day weekend for family and friends to get together and have a picnic or hang out at the beach. In a way, this answer is correct, because that's how most Americans view this holiday! 

The actual origin of this national holiday (which used to be known as Decoration Day), however, dates way back to the mid-1800s after the Civil War-- Many men died so brutally during the Civil War that people were looking for ways to honor the those who died fighting. 

Families of fallen soldiers in Pennsylvania began visiting the burial sites of deceased soldiers to place flowers at their graves, and word of this honorary gesture quickly spread down to the south into Mississippi, where women started doing the same. 

On May 5th, 1868 General John Logan made Memorial Day an official day of remembrance where flowers where placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery-- And that's how this holiday came about.

Now that you've received your history lesson for the day...

Here are 3 great ideas to celebrate YOUR Memorial Day:

1. Attend a Parade.

Many small towns and communities have annual parades for Memorial Day. Wear the best red, white & blue outfit you can get your hands on and pack yourself some snacks (like sandwiches from your friends at HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville ) to share with friends or loved ones after the parade. 

2. Have a Picnic.

Picnics are very popular on Memorial Day. Every year after decorating the graves of veterans, thousands of veteran families typically gather at a local park and have a large picnic together. Again, here’s an opportunity to celebrate traditions by bringing something that has been part of our family during the holidays: a delicious meal with all your favorite fixins HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville ! 

3. Host A BBQ Potluck.

Why not have your family & friends gather at your house and host a BBQ potluck?! Everyone could bring a least one food item (or the beverages) when they show up at your house.  And if you really want to serve up something that’s guaranteed to get everyone excited about your potluck party, have a big' ol turkey or a juicy HoneyBaked Ham along with your BBQ staples. These succulent main course options alone will definitely seal the success of your food gathering (how could it not)?!

So no matter how you choose to spend your 3-day weekend this year, make HoneyBaked Ham a part of it... You won't be disappointed.

Here's to a marvelous Memorial Day celebration with family and friends!

--Your HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville Crew

Eat, Drink & Be Wary: Easily Enhance Your Events with HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville Catering

When it comes to conducting business or hosting a special event... We should, as the saying goes (sort of), "eat, drink & be wary."

What we at HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville mean by this, is that it's super important to make sure your gathering (no matter whether it's for business or leisure) should always have the best type of eats & drinks for attendees to enjoy. What's the best way to do this? 

By having your event catered by HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville (of course)! Here are 4 special occasions for which we'd love to be a part of:

1. OFFICE MEETINGS

Your main goal is to keep everyone alert, happy and focused--but even that plan can go wrong quickly...simply by serving up a so-so midday meal! Make sure your lunch choice reflects just how much you care with our HoneyBaked Ham boxed lunches or our robust meat & cheese platters. The "make-your-own-sammich" option not to mention our delicious varieties of chips and yes... freshly baked cookies!) can easily cut the boredom out of your hours-long huddle... so much so that your attendees might even think it’s a celebration rather than just a meeting of the minds!

2. BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Surprise! Ever been invited to a birthday party during that time of day when you were expecting some good food to eat (especially because you showed up with an empty stomach)... only to discover there was nothing at the table to indulge in besides bowls of jelly beans and store-bought cupcakes?! Yikes. The best way a "hostess with the mostest" can bring some life into a party that everyone can enjoy is a bountiful spread of HoneyBaked Ham in place of those sugar-laden snacks at the kids' table. Sure, the cupcakes may be a birthday staple, but instead of traditional pizza or other typical party foods, a generous helping of HoneyBaked Ham on everyone's paper plate can be just what the party needs!

3. FAMILY GATHERINGS

Cooking a meal for a large group (like a family reunion or neighborhood picnic) takes lots of planning (and stamina!). The most common comestibles brought to these events are usually some sort of potluck staples... which, of course, can be the cheapest and easiest way to feed a crowd. But instead of deviled eggs or BBQ weenies in a crockpot, how 'bout this idea: A HoneyBaked Ham, fully cooked, pre-sliced and ready to serve any time of the day... Serve up one of these and you're sure to be the talk of the entire gathering, even after the food is gone. And for those of us with very little time to prepare anything because of our work schedules, now there's simply no need to worry because you can always pre-order by calling us ahead of time!

4. WEDDING RECEPTIONS

Hosting a wedding reception can be a complex task if you're not accustomed to serving "the masses," but it can turn out to be fun when all the ingredients you need are easily and readily available. One easy way of getting all of this together efficiently is to have your reception catered by our HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville crew. Having hassle-free, yet special food like ours for everyone to eat could even make the reception just as memorable to guests as it was for the bride and groom (because no one ever seems to remember what they ate when they attend this type of event anymore)! 

Let's face it. Everyone knows how wonderfully fulfilling HoneyBaked Ham can be during the holidays... but that shouldn't be the only time people can appreciate our festive fare. So if you have a special occasion that's right around the corner, but still have not decided what to do about the dining portion of your event... Contact us at HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville to place your catered order TODAY (headaches not included). 

Now we can all officially eat, drink & be wary merry!
--Your HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville Crew

A to Zini: HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville 's NEW Turkey Tetrazinni Recipe

This is a great way to use your HoneyBaked Ham leftover turkey... 

It's also an easy one dish casserole that everyone in the family enjoys!

Preheat oven to 375º. In a large heavy saucepan sauté over medium heat:
10 ounces mushrooms, sliced thin (about 4 cups) with 1/4 cup butter.

Cook until most of their liquid is reduced, lower the heat, add and cook for an additional 3 minutes:
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour

Combine and add to the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly and simmering until thickened (approx. 5 minutes).
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine

Meanwhile, in a kettle of boiling salted water cook until it is al dente and drain:
- 10 ounces spaghetti

In a large bowl combine:
- The drained spaghetti
- The mushroom sauce
- 3 cups diced HoneyBaked Turkey Breast (Oven-Roasted or Smoked)
- 1 8 oz. package frozen peas (approx. 1 1/3 cup)
- 1/4 diced red pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Mix well and transfer to a greased shallow 3 quart casserole. Top with:
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/3 cup fine fresh bread crumbs
- salt and pepper to taste

And dot top with:
- 1 tablespoon butter

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it's bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Serves 6
Can be prepared in advance and frozen prior to baking. Reduce heat to 325º and cook for approx. 1 1/2 hours. Or bring to room temp. and cook for 50 minutes.

Here's to a great dinner with great family and friends!
--Your HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville Crew

Wham Bam Thank You, HAM: Our Top 5 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

We all know that Moms are pretty much the most special people we can ever have in our lives... and guess what??

Mother’s day is just around the corner (at least pretend you had it marked on your calendar)!

So this weekend when Moms are commemorated nationwide, why not be sure you give your ol' lady something that best reflects our appreciation for all they do?!

As true angels on this earth we already know... Mothers are typically not that choosy when it comes to presents (remember that art piece you made out of macaroni noodles as a child in grade school?!), so just about any gift which shows your love and gratitude will be well-recognized. 

Still not sure what to give her? Here are the Top 5 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from your HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville crew:

1. A Bouquet of Roses

This is probably one of the best gifts you can ever give to your mom, because these bold & beautiful buds are famous for conveying love and appreciation to someone special in your life. For that extra special touch, have your gift bouquet personalized with wrappings in Mom's favorite colors, along with a handwritten note or card with your own genuine message.

2. A Homemade Dinner Featuring Mom's Favorite Recipe

Usually our mothers occupy the kitchen for hours on end in order to prepare something wonderful for us. This time, why not surprise her with a homemade dinner using one of her all-time favorite recipes? Nothing beats a gift you have prepared all by yourself (although we recommend you ask for some help from siblings or other family members if you are not such a wonderful cook)!

3. A Pampering Gift Basket

It's a given--Women love to be pampered, especially when it's a chance to take a break from doing all the work at home. Taking care of your family is a big task... and it's a lot of work for Mom (which of course, is very tiring). So a good gift of "pamper yourself" products basket filled with scented candles, invigorating lotions, soothing bath salts and moisturizing soaps can be a perfect way to show your love for Mom!

4. A Store-Bought Mother’s Day Card

Sure... actions still speak louder than words, but sometimes express our feelings in the form of words in order to be better understood. If you're not the crafty type and can't create your own Mother’s Day card, a store-bought version is your next best choice. All you'll have to do is just write down your heartfelt message on the inside, and surely... Mom will be delighted.

5. A Holiday Meal Favorite: HoneyBaked Ham

Yes, one can never go wrong with a gift that's delicious enough for your whole family to enjoy (in other words, a marvelous main course from HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville ). Mother’s Day generally prompts close friends and members of your family to celebrate at the same gathering... So, why not be the star of the whole celebration by giving her a freshly glazed ham?

Call us partial to this holiday, but we think option #5 on our list is definitely the best way to go. Stop by and see us (and get your Mother's Day gift shopping out of the way already)!

Here's wishing a very Happy Mother's Day to all!
--Your HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville Crew

Mind Your PEAS and Qs: Today's Featured Recipe

Slow-Cooked Golden Pea and Ham Soup

Mindin' your Ps & Qs doesn't always hafta refer to staying on your best behavior, especially at the dinner table!

With today's featured ham recipe, fellow split peas give a pretty tawny color to hearty soup packed with Honeybaked Ham, carrots and seasonings.

Prep Time: 10 MinutesTotal Time: 8 Hrs 40 Mins Makes 5 servings

Ingredients:
1 bag (1 lb) yellow split peas, rinsed, sorted

1 cup julienne-cut carrots (from 10-oz bag)

½ lb of HoneyBaked Ham ,  chopped (1 1/3 cups)

½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

½ teaspoon dried marjoram leaves

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 carton (32 oz) of low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)

1 ½ cups water

Instructions:

- In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients.

- Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.

- Increase heat setting to High. Stir well. Cover; cook 30 minutes     longer.
-Makes 5 servings (1 1/2 cups each)

Here's to PEAS & Qs!
--The HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville Crew