Chimichurri roast ham

Ingredients:

1 ham, bone-in with skin about 8 pounds (shank end if possible)

Brine:

2 cups kosher salt

2 cups light brown sugar

2 bay leaves

¼ cup whole black peppercorns

2 apples, chopped

1 cup apple cider vinegar

4 sprigs fresh thyme

2 gallons hot water

Chimichurri:

2 cups finely chopped flat leaf parsley

¼ cup oregano leaves, chopped

8 garlic cloves, chopped fine

1 tablespoon red crushed chili flakes

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons smoked paprika (or regular if not available)

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon kosher salt

Puree until smooth.

(save ½ of the Chimichurri to serve with the ham.)

Directions:

In a large stockpot, dissolve all ingredients with the water, mix well, place on ice or in a refrigerator to cool.  Meanwhile, carefully cut little ½-inch to 1-inch diamond shapes through the skin using a paring knife.  Place the ham in the cooled brine and refrigerate overnight. Remove the ham and rinse, pat dry with paper towels.

Place the ham (wide cut side down) on a roasting rack over a roasting pan.

Adjust oven rack to the lowest position.  Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast for 30 minutes, lower to 350 degrees Fahrenheit after 1 hour, begin brushing the ham with half of the Chimichurri every 30 minutes for about 2 hours, cook the ham until it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit with a thermometer.

Allow the ham to rest for at least 45 minutes before slicing.