Ham with Turnips and Apples

I don't think I've ever bought turnips before. But I saw this recipe for a slow cooked ham with winter-type veggies and storage crops, and I had to try it.  Only had to slightly modify it to be paleo-friendly.

In interest of full disclosure, I didn't like it.  There's a good reason I have never bought turnips before; I really don't like them and this whole dish has a slight turnip-y taste to it.  My two year old didn't care much for the veggies, but she did eat the ham happily.

My husband, however, ate three plates of it, and had the leftovers the next night for dinner as well.  He loves it and is sad I likely won't ever make it again.

Go figure.

If you like turnips, this is a great recipe for you!

The Tools:

-6 qt. crockpot (it will fill it to the brim, don't use any smaller!)

- 1 4-5 lb. smoked picnic ham (pork shoulder)
- 2 Granny Smith apples, diced with skin on
- 2 large turnips, peeled and cut into chunks
- 8 sprigs parsley (or 1 T dried parsley)
- 1 T thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 4 T honey
- 1 bay leaf
- pinch coriander
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 2 cups water
- 1 16 oz package frozen spinach, thawed

The Process:

Place apples and turnips on the bottom of the crockpot.  Place ham on top and dig up a few of the turnips so they surround the ham on the sides.  Add the remaining ingredients, except the spinach, to the slow cooker.  Pour the wine and water on last.

Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.

Remove the ham from the crockpot carefully.  Add the thawed package of frozen spinach to the watery veggies at this point and mix well.  Place the ham back in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 30 more minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to remove apples, turnips and spinach from the liquid and serve alongside the sliced ham.  Enjoy!  .

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