Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. One of the classic dishes that many people enjoy during the festive season is ham. Whether you are hosting a large dinner party or a small gathering, a juicy and flavorful ham can be a centerpiece of your holiday spread. In this article, we will share with you a recipe for Christmas ham that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 bone-in ham, about 7-8 pounds - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup orange juice - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon ground cloves - 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to making a Christmas ham, choosing the right type of ham is important. You can choose between a bone-in or boneless ham, and a smoked or unsmoked ham. A bone-in ham is more flavorful and juicy, but it also takes longer to cook. A smoked ham has a smoky flavor that can add depth to your dish, while an unsmoked ham is milder in taste.
Preparing the Ham
Before you start cooking the ham, you need to prepare it. First, remove the skin from the ham by using a sharp knife. Then, score the fat on the ham in a criss-cross pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and add flavor.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's start cooking! 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. 2. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. This will be your glaze. 3. Place the ham in a large roasting pan with the fat side up. 4. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored fat. 5. Cover the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours. 6. After 2 hours, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze. 7. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking the ham uncovered for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. 8. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutrition information for this recipe: - Calories: 300 per serving - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Protein: 30g - Sodium: 1000mg
Conclusion
This recipe for Christmas ham is easy to make and packed with flavor. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy taste to the ham, while the spices provide warmth and depth. Whether you are serving it for a holiday dinner or a casual get-together, this ham is sure to be a hit with your guests. Enjoy!