Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday gathering or a simple yet impressive weeknight dinner? Look no further! This recipe features the convenience of Hormel Cure 81 ham, transforming it into a mouthwatering, perfectly glazed masterpiece. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this easy recipe delivers amazing flavor with minimal effort. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) Hormel Cure 81 Ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Preparing the Ham:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. If the ham is bone-in, score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern about ¼ inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and ensures even cooking. This step isn't essential for boneless hams, but scoring adds to the presentation.
- Discard any glaze packet included with the ham unless you prefer its flavor profile.
Making the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Glazing and Baking the Ham:
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham. Remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your ham.
- During the last 15 minutes of baking, brush the remaining glaze over the ham. This will create a beautiful, glossy finish.
Resting and Serving:
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
- Slice and serve your delicious, perfectly glazed Hormel Cure 81 ham!
Tips for the Best Glazed Ham:
- For a deeper flavor, add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the glaze.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the amount of brown sugar and honey.
- To prevent the glaze from burning, reduce the oven temperature slightly during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is delicious in sandwiches, salads, or omelets.
Variations:
- Pineapple Glaze: Substitute pineapple juice for the apple cider vinegar and add ½ cup of crushed pineapple to the glaze.
- Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a kick.
- Brown Sugar & Maple Glaze: Replace the honey with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the size of the ham and the specific ingredients used. It’s always best to use a nutrition calculator for a more precise value.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe provides a simple yet elegant way to prepare a delicious ham using Hormel Cure 81. It's perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!