Hey there, fellow foodies! 🍽️
I hope you’re all doing fabulously well. Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s a staple in my suburban household—Baked Ham. But wait! Before you roll your eyes thinking, “Isn’t ham just a comfort food?”, let me stop you right there. This recipe isn’t your average glazed ham; it’s part of my Healthy Food Recipes collection! Who said you can’t enjoy a slice of sweet and savory ham without waving goodbye to your healthy eating goals? Not me!
If you’re like me, balancing flavor with a healthy lifestyle can often feel like walking a tightrope. So, I decided to shake things up and create a version that keeps that deliciousness intact while being mindful of what goes into our bodies. And honestly, it’s been a game-changer for those cozy family dinners or even the special Sunday brunches.
Alright, let’s dive into this extravaganza of taste—Baked Ham the healthy way!
### Baked Ham Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (skip the fake stuff, trust me—this is where nature’s candy shines!)
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: First things first, preheat that oven of yours to 325°F (165°C). Trust me, the sooner you get it warm, the sooner your entire house will smell like a food lover’s dream!
2. **Prepare Your Ham**: Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Now, if your ham has a thick layer of fat, don’t be shy—trim it down to about 1/4 inch thick. I like to score the fat in a diamond pattern; it helps the glaze work its magic all over the ham.
3. **Whip Up the Glaze**: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, garlic powder, ginger, and cloves. Don’t be afraid to whisk it like you mean it! This glaze is the backbone of our Healthy Food Recipes theme today, so you want a nice, smooth concoction.
4. **Brush It On**: Grab a brush and lovingly coat your ham with about half of the glaze. (Save the rest for later.) This is where the aroma adventure begins.
5. **Bake**: Pop your ham into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, brushing occasionally with the rest of the glaze every 20 minutes or so. You want the glaze to caramelize just right. Keep an eye on it—the smell will tempt you to peek!
6. **Rest & Serve**: Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), take it out and let it rest for a good 10 minutes. This isn’t just fancy talk—resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicy and flavorful.
7. **Enjoy**: Slice it up, serve it warm, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. This ham pairs brilliantly with roasted veggies or a nice mixed greens salad, keeping with our Healthy Food Recipes vibe.
### Helpful Tips:
– **Choose Wisely**: Pick a ham that’s nitrate and preservative-free if possible. You’re looking for labels like “uncured” or “natural,” which align nicely with our healthy theme.
– **Why Maple Syrup?**: Aside from its natural sweetness, maple syrup is rich in antioxidants. It’s just one more way we make this dish fit our Healthy Food Recipes mantra.
– **Storing Leftovers**: Don’t just stuff it into the fridge! Wrap it tightly in foil to keep it moist, or shred and tuck it into a lovely omelet the next day.
There you have it, folks—my take on a healthy Baked Ham that’s sure to impress and delight. Not only is it simple, but it’s also an invitation to keep your meals both delicious and wholesome.
I’d love to hear how your baked ham turns out, so feel free to drop a line or a pic in the comments. Let’s keep elevating those Healthy Food Recipes one dish at a time! Until next time, bon appétit! 🌿✨
Stay delicious,
[Your Name]