Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday gathering or a surprisingly simple yet impressive dish for a special dinner? Look no further! This rum ham recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in a delicious dish that tastes far more elaborate than it actually is. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in spiral-sliced ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark rum (or substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Preparing the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, dark rum (or apple juice), pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce slightly thickens. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Baking the Ham:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan. If your ham is particularly dry, you may want to add about 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the pan to prevent it from drying out during baking.
- Pour the cooled glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring all the slices are generously coated.
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The longer you bake it, the more the glaze will caramelize.
Resting and Serving:
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
- Slice and serve. This rum ham is delicious on its own or served with your favorite holiday sides, such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Rum Ham:
- Don't skip the resting period: This step is crucial for a juicy and tender ham.
- Adjust the glaze to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different spices or add a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- For a deeper flavor: Score the ham's surface lightly before glazing to allow for better glaze penetration.
Variations:
- Spicy Rum Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Honey-Rum Ham: Replace some of the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter and richer glaze.
- Bourbon Ham: Substitute bourbon for the rum for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the ham and the number of servings. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients and serving size. However, generally, rum ham is relatively high in sodium and fat, but also offers a good source of protein.
This rum ham recipe is a guaranteed winner, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and deliciousness to any occasion. It's easy to prepare, tastes fantastic, and is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!