Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Begin by gathering all your necessary ingredients. Having everything in one spot makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me; there’s nothing worse than scrambling through the pantry mid-recipe!
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to preheat at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). This is the perfect temperature for warming that ham slowly and evenly, ensuring its juicy interior stays intact.
Step 3: Prepare the Ham
- Place the ham on a rack situated in a large roasting pan. Pour in about half an inch of hot water beneath the ham. This will help keep the ham moist as it cooks, allowing steam to do its magic.
Step 4: The First Bake
- Carefully slide the roasting pan into your preheated oven. Roast the ham for about 2 ½ hours, which will help warm it through. To ensure it's ready, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. You’re looking for a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
Step 5: Create the Glaze
- While the ham is roasting, let’s whip up that delicious glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, dry mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir until you have a thick, smooth paste. This will coat the ham beautifully!
Step 6: Glaze the Ham
- Once your ham has initially roasted, it’s time to brush it generously with the glaze you made. Get all those nooks and crannies!
Step 7: Skewer the Ham
- Take each skewer and thread on both a pineapple chunk and a maraschino cherry. Insert these decorated picks all over the ham. (Keep in mind, not every skewer has to include a cherry; some can just be pineapple!)
Step 8: Return to Oven for Final Roasting
- Place the ham back in the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes. As it roasts, don’t forget to baste it with the juices that have collected in the roasting pan. This will intensify the flavor and ensure the ham stays moist!
Step 9: The Final Touch
- After the final 15 minutes, take a quick peek at that glorious glaze! When it’s reached a delicious golden hue, it’s time to remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent and flavorful.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
- When you’re ready to serve, slice the ham and serve it with the pan juices for an extra kick of flavor. Your guests will surely thank you!
Notes
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your ham is cooked perfectly every time.
- Try Other Glazes: You can modify the glaze with ingredients like maple syrup or brown mustard for variety.
- Save the Bone: If you have a leftover bone, toss it in a pot of beans or soup for added flavor.
- Serve Cold: Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches the next day—just slice it thin and layer it with your favorite toppings!
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider tossing in some chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for a bit more complexity.
