Thai Ham Barbeque

Hey friends,
I know, it's been awhile and your stomachs are growling.  But this week I have so much planned!  First up, my take on the classic chipped ham barbeque sandwich.  For those of you not from the golden triangle, chipped ham is a very finely sliced deli meat.  And it is delicious.

Traditionally, you buy Isaly's Ham Barbeque sauce to pour on it and call it done.  But I wanted to put a new spin on it, so for your enjoyment:

Thai Ham Barbeque serves 2-4

Ingredients:

2 tsp canola oil
1 ½ Tbsp minced garlic
1 tablespoons ground ginger
1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced
1/2 cup diced onion
1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp dark sesame oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice
3/4 cup honey
1 Tbsp peanut butter
Chipped ham
Italian buns

To prepare:
1. Heat canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, jalapeño, and onion; sauté about 3 minutes. Add soy sauce, ginger, lemon juice, and honey, and bring to a boil. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat 8 minutes or until onion is tender. Cool mixture slightly.

2. Transfer to a blender; add vinegar, tomato paste, peanut butter, and sesame oil, and process until a chunky puree forms.

3. Return to saucepan and add chipped ham, tearing into smaller pieces. Stir until incorporated and heated through. Serve on a bun.

The Verdict:

Tasty and spicy.  If you're not a fan of heat, skip the jalapeno.  Also, it would be  really easy to make the sauce ahead of time and store it for super quick meals later. AWESOMEsauce.

Taste ya later,
Cass