Are you tired of the same old holiday ham? This year, elevate your dinner table with a burst of flavor using this easy cherry glaze recipe. It's surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers an incredibly delicious and impressive result that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner when you crave something truly special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming a classic dish into a memorable culinary experience. Get ready to discover a new family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, fully cooked
- 1 cup pitted fresh or frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the ham's fat layer in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate better and creates a beautiful presentation.
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Prepare the cherry glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, orange marmalade, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and the cherries have softened. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. This step develops the amazing depth of flavor in your glaze.
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Glaze the ham: Place the ham in a baking pan. Pour half of the cherry glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored sections.
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Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, then baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized and slightly sticky. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C).
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Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Tips for the Best Cherry Glazed Ham:
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your glaze will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients. Opt for good quality marmalade and fresh or high-quality frozen cherries.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, add more for a sweeter glaze.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked ham can be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) without overcooking.
- Make ahead: The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Variations:
- Spicy cherry glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Bourbon cherry glaze: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for a sophisticated twist.
- Pineapple cherry glaze: Substitute pineapple chunks for some of the cherries for a tropical twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your ham and the number of servings. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, generally, you can expect a serving of cherry glazed ham to be relatively high in protein and moderate in fat and carbohydrates.
This delicious cherry glaze recipe is a simple yet effective way to transform a classic ham into a show-stopping dish. It's perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with easy recipes that deliver amazing flavor. Enjoy!