The 4-H Country Ham project has grown to be one of the largest in the Kentucky 4-H Program.  In Jessamine County 36 youth will complete the country ham project.  The Country Ham leader and the agent decided to offer an educational session for youth on how to cook, slice and serve country ham! This is a unique way for youth to earn hours toward the 6 hour requirement. 

The class discussed the two ways to cook and slice a country ham, including cooking first and then slicing and slicing, bone in and then frying.  The class also included a recipe taste test of two recipes made with using country ham.  It was important that this class taught youth to use and enjoy country ham in more ways than just at holidays or on a biscuit. 

23 youth participated in the class offered to country ham project youth. They all walked away with new ways to eat country ham.  Several commented that they didn't realize country ham could be used in many different ways. 

This class was so successful the agent decided to share it at the KAE4-HA meeting.  A class of 25 extension professionals participated in the Country Ham Slice it and Serve it in service at the annual meeting.  90% of participants said they plan to replicate the class in their county.