How do you bake a glazed ham?

Baking a Glazed Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baking a glazed ham is surprisingly easy and yields delicious results. Here's a comprehensive guide:

Ingredients:

* 1 pre-cooked ham (bone-in or boneless), about 8-10 pounds

* 1 cup brown sugar

* 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

* 1/4 cup pineapple juice

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 1 tablespoon orange zest

* 1 teaspoon ground ginger

* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from the packaging and discard any plastic wrapping. If the ham has a plastic rind, score the fat with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern to allow for even cooking and glaze penetration.

3. Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, honey, orange zest, ginger, cloves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.

4. Place the ham in a large roasting pan. Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the pan.

5. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes will help it caramelize beautifully.

6. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender ham.

7. Slice and serve.

Tips:

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked through.

* For a more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or brandy to the glaze.

* You can also add chopped dried fruits, nuts, or pecans to the glaze for added texture and flavor.

* Leftover ham can be sliced and used in sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Enjoy your delicious glazed ham!