Ham and Egg Fried Rice

This is one of the most common and satisfying of northern-style fried rice dishes, a simple combination of cooked rice, cubed ham, sweet green peas, and fluffy bits of stir-fried egg. It is excellent as a one-bowl meal or as a colorful companion to a simple dish of fish or meat.

• Look for a very tender, tasty ham, one which is ready-to-eat and a bit on the sweet side. I look for it in a specialty market, where one can choose from among a wide variety and sample