Envision a festive table bedecked with a sumptuous centerpiece that’s both awe-inspiring and delectable – that’s the charm of Honey Baked Ham. This Honey Baked Ham dish encapsulates the spirit of grand events and festivities, permeating the ambiance with the scent of roasted brilliance and sweet glaze. Whether embellishing your Easter array, Thanksgiving banquet, or any notable gathering, a Honey Baked Ham is a gastronomic marvel that injects joy and extravagance into every morsel. In this recipe guide, we’ll set forth on a culinary voyage to craft the exemplary Honey Baked Ham that will dignify your table with sophistication and zest.
Ingredients:
For the Honey Glazed Ham:
- 1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Whole cloves (for optional decoration)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Honey Glaze
- Combine the honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan and stir until everything is combined.
- Blend the ingredients by stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved. After 5 minutes of simmering, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preparing the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 165°C.
- Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, cut side down.
3. Applying the Glaze
- Cut diamond shapes into the ham’s surface in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife.
- Brush a generous amount of the prepared honey glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored areas.
- If desired, insert whole cloves into the diamond pattern’s intersections for flavor and decoration.
4. Roasting to Perfection
- Put the ham in an oven preheated to 325 degrees and covered with aluminum foil.
- Bake the ham for 15-18 minutes per pound, basting with the remaining glaze every 20-30 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the top to caramelize and develop a beautiful glaze.
5. Resting and Serving
- Take the ham out of the oven when it reaches the doneness you like, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting into it.
- Slice the honey-baked ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Honey-baked ham is more than just a dish; it’s the centerpiece of joyous celebrations that unite loved ones. By following this recipe, you’re not just roasting ham; you’re creating a masterpiece that embodies the art of festive feasting. Whether shared during holiday gatherings or enjoyed on special occasions, honey-baked ham promises to impress with its succulent texture, rich flavors, and tantalizing glaze. Gather your supplies, learn to appreciate the refined art of roasting, and set out on a culinary adventure that will take your festive meals to a new level of decadence and delight.