Honey Glazed Ham

The honey glazed ham is a centerpiece that commands attention on any dining table. This succulent, sweet-and-savory dish combines the rich flavor of ham with a glossy, caramelized honey glaze that tantalizes the taste buds. Paired with steamed green beans, farro with sesame, and fresh fig slices, it creates a balanced and visually appealing meal that’s perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or an elevated family dinner.

The Recipe:

Honey Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score ham in a diamond pattern.
3. Place ham in a roasting pan.
4. Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and cloves for the glaze.
5. Brush 1/3 of the glaze over the ham.
6. Bake for about 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with remaining glaze.
7. Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
8. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Detailed Preparation:

• To create the perfect honey glazed ham, start with a high-quality bone-in ham. Scoring the surface allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, infusing more flavor.
• When preparing the glaze, ensure all ingredients are well combined for a smooth consistency.
• During baking, baste the ham regularly to build up layers of flavor and achieve that signature sticky-sweet exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the ham. The resting period is crucial for redistributing juices, ensuring each slice is moist and tender.

Variations:

• Add orange zest and juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
• Incorporate bourbon or rum for a more complex flavor profile.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
• Stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing for added aroma.

Tips:

• Choose a ham with a good fat cap for self-basting during cooking.
• Bring the ham to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
• Use a shallow roasting pan to prevent the bottom from steaming.
• Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
• Prepare the glaze a day in advance.
• Use a pre-cooked ham to reduce overall cooking time.
• Set up all equipment and ingredients before starting.

The Side Dishes:

Steamed Green Beans:

• Trim beans and steam for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of butter.

Farro with Sesame:

• Cook farro according to package instructions.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan.
• Mix cooked farro with toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of sesame oil, and chopped herbs.

Fresh Fig Slices:

• Simply wash and slice fresh figs.
• Arrange on the plate for a sweet contrast to the savory ham.

Equipment & Ingredients:

To create your very own Honey Glazed Ham at home, you may consider purchasing most of these items on Amazon:

Equipment:

• Roasting Pan with Rack
• Meat Thermometer
• Basting Brush

Ingredients:

• Quality Honey
• Dijon Mustard
• Farro
• Sesame Seeds
• Sesame Oil

By investing in quality ingredients and equipment, you can elevate your honey glazed ham dinner to restaurant-quality levels, impressing family and guests alike with your culinary skills.