Brown Sugar Ham is a classic and beloved dish, perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want to serve a show-stopping centerpiece. This ham is coated with a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting, creating a flavorful crust that complements the savory, juicy meat. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table, making it a memorable and irresistible dish.
5. **Serving:**
– **Carving:** Using a sharp knife, carve the ham into thin slices, starting at the shank end and working your way down to the butt end. Serve with the remaining glaze and pan drippings on the side for extra flavor.
### Tips and Variations:
– **Ham Selection:** Choose a fully cooked, bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. Spiral-cut hams are also a convenient option.
– **Spice Adjustments:** Adjust the spices in the glaze to suit your taste. Add more ginger for a spicier kick or more cinnamon for extra warmth.
– **Pineapple Rings:** For a classic touch, place pineapple rings on the ham and secure them with toothpicks before glazing and roasting.
– **Leftover Ham:** Use leftover ham slices in sandwiches, omelets, soups, or casseroles for delicious meals throughout the week.
### The Experience:
Brown Sugar Ham is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. The caramelized glaze forms a delectable crust that complements the tender, juicy ham. Each slice offers a perfect balance of richness and sweetness, making it an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings or family dinners. The aroma of spices and honey filling the kitchen as the ham roasts is sure to create an inviting atmosphere, and the beautifully glazed ham will impress your guests both visually and gastronomically.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (8-lb) bone-in, fully cooked, smoked ham, at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F
Line a baking sheet with foil.
Using paper towels, pat ham dry. Using a sharp knife, score the top side of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Place ham, cut side down, onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush evenly with 1/2 cup brown sugar mixture.
Place into oven, brushing with remaining brown sugar mixture every 30 minutes, until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 140 degrees F, about 2 hours 30 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.