Hey food lovers!
Fall is upon us and that means it’s time to dive into all things cozy and delicious. Today, I’m super excited to share a delightful recipe that will fill your home with the warm scents of autumn: Cinnamon Apple Spiced Ham! It’s one of those recipes that sounds fancy, but is surprisingly simple. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone trying to keep things healthy-ish, without sacrificing flavor. Let’s get cooking!
### Cinnamon Apple Spiced Ham Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– 1 boneless, fully cooked ham (about 3-4 pounds)
– 2 large apples, sliced (I love using Honeycrisp for that sweet-tart balance)
– 1 cup apple cider (or apple juice, if that’s what you have on hand)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons butter (or a healthier alternative like coconut oil)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While that warms up, you’ve got plenty of time to gather your ingredients.
2. **Prepare the Glaze:**
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and you have a sweet, fragrant glaze. This is when your kitchen starts to smell like magic!
3. **Prep the Ham:**
Place your ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a crisscross pattern; it helps the glaze seep into the meat. Then, pour about half of your glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into all those nooks and crannies.
4. **Bake and Baste:**
Arrange the apple slices around the ham. Dot the top with butter (or coconut oil). Cover with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your ham. Baste every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. This keeps everything moist and oh-so-tender.
5. **Final Touch:**
During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let the top get beautifully caramelized. Your Cinnamon Apple Spiced Ham is officially calling your name!
#### Tips & Tricks:
– **Choosing the Right Ham:** Opt for a good quality ham that doesn’t have added sugars or sauces. It keeps your meal on the healthier side!
– **Gluten-Free Option:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your labels for any hidden gluten.
– **Make it a Meal:** Pair your cinnamon apple spiced ham with a side of roasted root vegetables or a fresh autumn salad. Those earthy and crisp flavors complement the dish beautifully.
As a suburban food blogger, my goal is to keep things simple yet satisfying. Not only does this Cinnamon Apple Spiced Ham hit all the flavor marks, but it’s also a healthy food recipe that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out. This dish is all about savoring those seasonal ingredients while keeping our taste buds (and waistlines) happy.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to share your culinary adventures with me by tagging @SuburbanTastes on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Happy cooking, friends!
Love and pie,
[Your Name] 🍎🥧