Are you looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple main course for your next gathering? Look no further! This Ham with Cloves recipe delivers incredible flavor and aroma with minimal effort. It's perfect for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a truly delicious and impressive dish. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking that elevates a simple ingredient into something truly special. Get ready to experience the delightful blend of savory ham and aromatic cloves!
Ingredients:
- One 4-6 lb bone-in ham (spiral-sliced or whole)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Whole cloves (approximately 20-30, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). If your ham is spiral-sliced, simply remove it from its packaging. If using a whole ham, score the fat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This allows the glaze to penetrate better.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and pineapple juice (if using).
- Glaze the Ham: Generously coat the ham with the glaze, ensuring it reaches all the crevices, especially those diamond cuts you created. Don't be shy with the glaze!
- Stud with Cloves: Press whole cloves into the ham's surface, creating a visually appealing and fragrant garnish.
- Bake the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan and bake for approximately 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham, or 160°F (71°C) for a well done ham. Basting the ham with the pan juices halfway through the cooking process will add extra moisture and flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for a Perfect Ham:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Don't rely solely on cooking time.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked ham can be dry and tough. Aim for the recommended internal temperature and no more.
- Adjust the glaze to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different spices and sweeteners to create your perfect glaze. A touch of maple syrup or orange zest would work wonders.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Apple Cider Glaze: Substitute apple cider for the pineapple juice for a more autumnal flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar & Mustard Glaze Only: For a simpler glaze, focus on just the brown sugar and Dijon mustard, omitting the other spices.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, based on a 6lb ham):
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
Note: Nutritional information varies depending on the size and type of ham used. This is an estimate and should be considered a guideline.
This Ham with Cloves recipe offers a delightful culinary experience, perfect for elevating any meal. It's a quick dinner idea that is both easy and impressive, blending delicious flavors and simple techniques. This is one of those best recipes that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!