Holiday Ham
A holiday ham can be the star of a feast! Here's a classic recipe for a delicious glazed ham:
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham, fully cooked (about 8-10 pounds)
Whole cloves (for studding)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan, and score the surface of the ham diagonally with a sharp knife, creating a diamond pattern. Stud the center of each diamond with whole cloves.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Brush about half of the glaze over the ham, covering it evenly.
Tent the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or as per the package instructions for your specific ham (about 15-18 minutes per pound), occasionally basting with the remaining glaze.
During the last 15-20 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a golden crust.
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
This glazed holiday ham will have a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for your table. Adjust the glaze ingredients to your taste preferences, and don't forget to save any leftover ham for delicious sandwiches or soups!
