A holiday classic, this glazed Christmas ham combines the deep richness of slow-roasted pork with the sweet, aromatic notes of apple and spice. The result is a dish that not only fills your home with enticing aromas but also offers a perfect harmony of savory and sweet flavors. Whether for an intimate gathering or a festive feast, this ham is sure to be the star of your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1 piece of raw ham (about 11 lbs)
- ½ cup apple juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 8 cloves
- 4 bay leaves
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 apple (for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Place the ham in a large pot and cover with cold water. Rinse well, then bring to a boil. Let the ham simmer for 5 minutes before removing and draining.
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). In a roasting pan, add the apple juice, orange zest, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Set the ham in the pan and cover with foil.
- Roast for 5 hours, basting occasionally with the apple juice mixture.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup and Dijon mustard, simmering until thickened.
- Once the ham has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes. After resting, brush the ham with the glaze, and return it to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 15 minutes, until caramelized.
- Serve with fresh apple slices and enjoy!
