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Delicious Glazed Ham: A Sweet and Savory Centerpiece!
Oh, where do I begin with my love for glazed ham? This dish has been a staple at my family gatherings for as long as I can remember. As soon as that sweet aroma starts to waft through the house, you just know some serious feasting is about to go down! I’ve fond memories of crowded tables, the sound of laughter, and, of course, the sight of this glorious ham taking center stage. It’s just the ultimate comfort food that never fails to impress, whether for holiday dinners or Sunday family meals.
What makes this recipe unique is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that dance together in the glaze. The addition of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard gives it that luxurious caramelized exterior, while the hint of spices adds warmth and depth. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the feast is over! Now, let’s dive into the details of how to whip up this mouthwatering dish.
What’s in Glazed Ham?
- Bone-in ham (about 2-3 kg): This is the star of the show! I prefer using a quality bone-in ham for extra flavor and moisture. Look for options from reputable brands or your local butcher.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds that perfect sweetness and helps create the beautiful caramelized glaze.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Enhances the sweetness while bringing a lovely floral note to the glaze. Feel free to use local honey for an extra touch!
- Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): The tanginess from the mustard cuts through the sweetness beautifully, giving the ham great balance.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds acidity to brighten up the flavors. You can use other vinegars like white wine if you’re in a pinch.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth. I always keep a plentiful supply of cinnamon in my pantry!
- Ground cloves (1/2 tsp): Enhances the taste with a bit of spice. Just a small amount goes a long way here!
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): For a hint of heat that balances the sweetness.
- Pineapple juice (2 cups, optional): If you want to baste while baking for that tropical touch! Also works great for soaking up extra flavor.
Is Glazed Ham Good for You?
Let’s talk a bit about health. While glazed ham is sheer culinary indulgence, there’s still some nutrition to note. Ham is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Plus, it contains iron, zinc, and B vitamins – all necessary for overall health. Just a heads up, though – because of the glaze, this dish can rack up the sugar content. So, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you might opt for a lighter glaze next time!
Another consideration is sodium content. Ham can be quite salty, especially if it’s cured. Pairing it with fresh vegetables or a salad can help balance things out! But hey, let’s be real – we can all afford to indulge every now and then, right?
Ingredients List
- Bone-in ham: about 2-3 kg
- Brown sugar: 1 cup
- Honey: 1/2 cup
- Dijon mustard: 1/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Pineapple juice: 2 cups (optional, for basting)
How to Make Glazed Ham?
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Get that big ol’ oven ready!
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This not only looks fancy but also lets the glaze seep in beautifully.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. You want it to cook evenly!
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper to create the glaze. This is where the magic happens!
- Brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure it gets into those cuts. You want every bite to burst with flavor!
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. It’s like giving your ham a cozy blanket!
- Remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in a bit of pineapple juice for an extra zing!
- Continue to bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the ham is caramelized and heated through (internal temperature should reach 60°C or 140°F).
- Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps those juices settle!
Leftovers, Heroes, and More!
- This glazed ham pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can’t go wrong!
- If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they make for amazing sandwiches or can be chopped up for soups. Waste not, want not, right?
- For an extra touch, garnish the platter with fresh herbs or orange slices to make it look extra fancy.
So, there you have it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experiences. Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a regular weeknight, this glazed ham is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your table. Happy cooking, and may your gatherings be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food!
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