Introduction:
A glazed ham is perhaps the best ham for any celebration. It has sweet and savory flavors locked in a beautiful, caramelized glaze. It’s ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, Sunday supper or even a shower. The ham is slathered with an equally sticky coating that makes it mouthwatering with every bite. It’s easy to prepare so you won’t spend too much time standing in the kitchen. Also, the dish is pleasant to the senses as it bakes. No matter if you’re a professional chef or a novice, this dish will definitely impress everyone around the table and help you put together a wonderful meal that people will enjoy.
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham approximately 5-7 pounds
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup of honey
½ cup of Dijon mustard
½ cup of apple cider or orange juice vinegar
½ teaspoon of ground cloves
Pineapple slices, cherries or some spices for garnishing the ham
Instructions:
How To prepare the ham: The first step is to heat the oven to 325 F. You set the oven to 160 C. At this stage, the ham should be taken and put into a roasting pan or a slow cooker.
How To prepare the glaze: The first step is to put brown sugar, honey, and dijon mustard in a small saucepan over the vinegar. Combine these three ingredients over medium heat till the sugar dissolves and it gets thick.
How to apply vanilla on the ham: The first step is to make deep cuts on the top ham surface in a cross-hatch manner. The cut should be deep enough to allow half of the glaze to penetrate. Brush half of the glaze on the outer surface of the ham.
Chef: Wrap the ham in foil and place in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours basting every half an hour with the remaining glaze.
Finish and Serve: Foil should be removed through the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to become caramelized. Slicing of the hams comes after resting for 10 minutes.
Hints for Success:
In scoring the ham, the glaze goes more in and sticks even more.
Frequent basting helps in getting a nice caramel crust.
Health Benefits:
Ham is a good source of protein but could prove to be high in sodium content. Choosing a stronger cut of meat alternatively, selecting a lower sodium ham allows some health advantages for this dish.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
Calories: 300
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Variations and Substitutions:
Maple Glaze: Maple syrup is an available alternative for honing the honey at the glaze.
Spicy: Additional cayenne or smoked paprika to the glaze makes it spicy.
Fruit Glaze: Apricot or pineapple preserves are recommended for fruity taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this ham in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! The ham may be cooked in a slow cooker at low heat for 4-6 hours, with the mid-point allowing for basting.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Leftover ham should be covered in a tight container. It can stay in the fridge for 5 days or it can be frozen for 2 months.
Conclusion:
Glazed ham is a beautiful and tasty dish that can be the talk of the gathering. It is a cozy yet sophisticated dish that combines the sweetness of a caramelized crust with tender juicy meat. It is also appropriate for both family meals and festivities. What makes it even better? It is easy to prepare yet look like it is from the restaurant, making it enjoyable for you and your guests. Bon Appetit!
