This Summer, Steaks Will "Ham It Up"

But Cook's(R) New Twist on Summer Grilling Brings Serious Taste to the Table

T-bones, filets and porterhouses have been summertime grill-top favorites for decades, but this year American taste buds are craving a new flavor to serve alongside their corn on the cob and apple pie. Cook's thick cut ham steaks are this summer's hottest addition to the all-American grilling line-up.

Warm summer weather calls for leisurely meals outdoors, but with busy schedules and sticky heat, time spent in front of the grill isn't always an appealing option. Cook's bone-in ham steak is simple to prepare, and because it is already fully cooked it requires minimal reheating time on the grill before it is ready to be served. The steaks are delicious straight from the grill, or can be easily dressed up with a variety of marinades, sauces or chutneys to complement any summer meal.

"Summertime can be one of the most hectic times of the year for families. Between managing children's free time, the endless yard work and enjoying the beautiful weather, it seems there is a full schedule every night of the week," said Jon Lewallen, Director of Marketing at Cook's. "Cook's ham steaks are ideal for hurried summertime cooking -- allowing at-home chefs the flavor of a meal hot off the grill, in a fraction of the time of hamburgers or chicken breasts."

Cook's ham steaks create a tender and savory meal, and because the bone remains intact, the meat retains its natural flavors and juices. The steaks are taken from the center of the ham, the leanest and best part, making them the "filet mignon" of ham. The hickory-smoked steaks are also approximately 94 percent lean providing a delectable and lean source of protein.

Try Cook's ham steaks with a variety of different toppings and flavors.

--  Marinate a Cook's ham steak in coconut milk and top it with a simple
    and spicy pineapple ginger chutney for a Thai-inspired menu.

--  Add a Hawaiian classic to your tabletop. Grill a Cook's ham steak
    alongside thick-cut pineapple rings. The warmth of the grill makes the
    pineapple extra-juicy, and a perfect tropical complement to the savory
    flavor of the Cook's Ham.

--  Make a quick and easy mixture of honey and Dijon mustard to create a
    tangy glaze reminiscent of the all-American childhood favorite honey-
    mustard dipping sauce.
    

Cook's Ham Heats Things up All Year

Many ham cuts are less than 200 calories per three-ounce cooked serving, making the robust taste of bone-in ham part of a healthful diet. Cook's bone-in ham steaks, which are cut from the center of their traditional bone-in hams, are typically 94 percent lean, providing an excellent source of protein.

As the leading brand of hickory smoked traditional and spiral sliced bone-in ham, Cook's takes pride in using only the best quality meat for their ham. Cook's hams consistently meet the highest quality standards and can be purchased at supermarket chains and independent grocers throughout the United States and Canada.

Cooks Ham, Inc. is the nation's leading processor and marketer of smoked bone-in ham, corned beef and other allied smoked meat items. Founded in 1983, Cooks Ham, Inc. markets its products under the Cook's brand to leading supermarket chains and independent grocers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., Cooks Ham, Inc. is an independent operating company of Smithfield Foods. Cook's manufacturing facilities are located in Lincoln, Neb., Grayson, Ky., and Kansas City, Mo.