Need advice on defrosting a Smithfield ham

[kryinggame]

Hi gang,

On Saturday, I have to attend a funeral.  I'm going to prepare a ham for the dinner. 

I've had a Smithfield ham in my freezer since Thanksgiving and just pulled it out yesterday (Sunday).

Here's the dilemmas:

1 - The package says to use by February, 2013.  This is not September, 2013.  Is it safe to eat?

2 - What's the best way to defrost i?  To speed up time, is it advisable to defrost in a pot of cold water, either inside the fridge or on the counter?  Again, I need this 8.89lb ham fully defrosted by Friday night for the funeral dinner on Saturday.

I hate to throw away a big piece of meat like that but then again, I don't want to possibly cause others to get sick.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Assuming its been frozen the whole time the only concern I would have is freezer burn, or off flavor from being in the freezer too long. If it has an off smell I wouldn't use it.

As for thawing, just like poultry you need to thaw in the fridge. Should be thawed by Friday.

 

[jarjarchef]

X2