Hey there, food lovers and health enthusiasts!
As the chill of autumn settles in and the holiday season kicks off, I’m beyond excited to share one of my favorite Healthy Food Recipes that’s perfect for cozy family gatherings or a special weekend dinner. Imagine a juicy Oven-Roasted Cranberry-Dijon Glazed Ham, glistening with a tangy-sweet glaze that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. It’s a dish that’s sure to make everyone at your table say, “Wow!”
First, let’s get the party started with the ingredients. For this delightful centerpiece, you’ll need the following:
### Ingredients:
– 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham, about 6-8 pounds
– 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup for a deeper flavor)
– 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
### Kitchen Wisdom Tip:
Make sure to get a ham that suits your gathering size. A bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe because it holds more flavor. Plus, the leftovers make for fantastic sandwiches!
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat and Prepare:**
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take your ham out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
2. **Score the Ham:**
With a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This step isn’t just for looks—it allows the glorious glaze to seep into the meat for more flavor.
3. **The Magical Glaze:**
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Allow the mixture to simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
**Fun Insight:** Using fresh cranberries brings a natural tang and sweetness to the dish, making it one of the more unique Healthy Food Recipes you’ll try this season.
4. **Glaze the Ham:**
Place your scored ham in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleaning. Brush about half of the cranberry-Dijon glaze over the ham, making sure to get into all those nooks and crannies.
5. **Roast Time:**
Pop the ham in the oven and let it roast. Aim for about 15 minutes per pound, brushing with more glaze every 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want a beautiful caramelized finish!
6. **The Grand Finale:**
Once the internal temperature hits 140°F (60°C), take the ham out of the oven. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice juicy and flavorful.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Slice it up and get ready to receive compliments! Don’t forget to share this Healthy Food Recipes hit with family and friends, and maybe even invite them to help next time. The more, the merrier in the kitchen!
### Quick Tips:
– If cranberries aren’t your jam, feel free to swap in cherry or raspberry preserves.
– Don’t toss the ham bone! It’s perfect for making a nourishing soup or stew later.
So there you have it, folks! A show-stopping Oven-Roasted Cranberry-Dijon Glazed Ham that’s both healthy and incredibly scrumptious. Keep this recipe handy for your holiday menu or any special occasion that calls for something a little extra special.
I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or any tweaks you tried. And for more Healthy Food Recipes, be sure to subscribe and stay tuned. Happy cooking!
Stay deliciously inspired,
[Your Name]