As the festive season approaches, there's one holiday tradition that warms hearts and delights taste buds—the Christmas ham. And what's a Christmas ham without a mouthwatering glaze? At The Lucky Pig, we're excited to share the art of glazing to make your Christmas ham the star of the holiday table. Let's dive into the secrets of creating a perfectly glazed masterpiece that's sure to impress your loved ones.
Choosing the Right Ham:
Before we jump into glazing, it's crucial to select the right ham. At The Lucky Pig, we offer a selection of high-quality hams, all made in store, including bone-in, boneless, and various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a ham that matches your preferences and the size of your gathering.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pre-cooked ham
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Whole cloves for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ham:
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Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F).
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If your ham comes with skin, remove it by carefully slicing it away, leaving a thin layer of fat.
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Score the fat with diagonal cuts, creating a diamond pattern. This not only looks beautiful but also allows the glaze to penetrate the meat.
2. Making the Glaze:
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In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
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Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Set it aside to cool.
3. Glazing the Ham:
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Place your prepared ham in a roasting pan.
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Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat the ham with the glaze. Make sure to get into the cuts and crevices.
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For an extra touch, you can insert whole cloves into the ham's scored diamonds for a classic holiday look.
4. Baking and Basting:
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Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
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After 30 minutes, uncover the ham and baste it with more glaze.
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Continue to bake for another 30-40 minutes, basting every 10-15 minutes. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F).
5. Resting and Serving:
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Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a succulent bite.
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Carve and serve your beautifully glazed Christmas ham, impressing your guests with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
A beautifully glazed Christmas ham from The Lucky Pig is the centerpiece of your holiday table. With the right ham and a delectable glaze, you can create a feast that warms hearts and brings joy to your celebrations. Embrace the tradition of glazing and enjoy the delicious moments with your loved ones this holiday season.
For more information or to browse the hams on our website hit the link below!
- YES! Take me to ham town now! -
The Lucky Pig - Where Quality Meets Tradition in Every Bite
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